AG Corridor Framework - 3apr09

ATLANTIC GATEWAYS STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
CORRIDOR FRAMEWORKS
Galway-Limerick/Shannon
Limerick/Shannon-Cork
Cork-Waterford
Waterford-Limerick/Shannon
Contents
Introduction and Context ?
Key Recommendation
?
Specific Gateway Corridor Recommendations
?
1. Galway – Limerick/Shannon
2. Limerick/Shannon – Cork
3. Cork – Waterford
4. Waterford – Limerick/Shannon
Section 1: Galway – Limerick/Shannon Corridor ?
1.1 The Existing Corridor ?

1.1.1 Introduction ?
1.1.2 Galway and Limerick/Shannon Gateways ?
1.1.3 Ennis and Tuam Hubs ?
1.1.4 Other Towns on the Corridor ?
1.1.5 Villages and Rural Hinterland ?
1.1.6 Existing Development Plans ?
1.2 Prospects for Growth ?

1.2.1 Regional Population Projections ?
1.2.2 Land Use ?
1.2.3 Key Infrastructure Interventions ?
1.3 Strategic Development Opportunities ?

1.3.2 Strategic Opportunities in the Corridor ?
1.3.3 Current Gaps in Planning Policy/Documentation ?
1.3.4 Natural Heritage ?
1.3.5 Built Heritage ?
1.4 Achieving A Quality Environment ?

1.4.1 A Quality Environment ?
1.4.2 Environmental qualities of the Environment ?
1.5 Development Strategy and Implementation Actions ?

1.5.1 Development Strategy ?
1.5.2 Key Development Issues ?
Atlantic Gateways Corridor Framework 1
1.5.3 Key Implementation Actions ?
1.5.4 Next Steps ?
Section 2: Limerick/Shannon – Cork Corridor ?

2.1.2 Limerick/Shannon and Cork Gateways ?
2.1.3 Mallow Hub ?
2.1.6 Overall Population on the Corridor ?

2.2.1 Regional Context ?
2.2.2 Sub-Regional Context ?
2.2.4 Mallow Hub ?

2.3.2 Roads and Associated Infrastructure ?
2.3.3 Bus and Rail Services ?
2.3.4 Ports and Airports ?
2.3.5 Other Infrastructure ?

2.4.3 Mallow Hub ?
2.4.4 County Towns ?
2.4.6 Mallow Hub ?

2.5.1 Strategic Development Opportunities ?
2.5.2 Key Implementation Actions ?
2 Atlantic Gateways Corridor Framework
2.5.3 Next Steps ?
Section 3: Cork - Waterford Corridor ?

3.1.2 Cork – Waterford Gateways ?
3.1.3 County Town of Dungarvan ?
3.1.4 Other Towns on the Corridor [Youghal needs to be brought
out of the gateway discussion] ?
3.1.6 Development Plans within the Corridor ?

3.2.2 Gateways ?
3.2.3 Corridor Towns ?
3.2.4 Corridor Villages and Rural Hinterland ?
3.2.5 Key Infrastructural Interventions ?

3.4 Achieving a Quality Environment ?


3.5.2 Key Implementation Actions
3.5.3 Next Steps
Section 4: Waterford – Limerick/Shannon ?

4.1.2 Waterford and Limerick/Shannon Gateways ?

4.1.5 Development Plans within the Corridor ?

4.2.2 Regional and Corridor Population Projections ?
4.2.3 Urban and Rural Corridor ?

4.3.2 Transport and Infrastructure ?
4.3.3 Communications ?

4.4.2 Co-operative Tourism Products ?

4.5.3 Next Steps

Introduction
The publication of the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) in November 2002 represented a
significant statement of Government policy on regional development. At a strategic level,
the NSS recognised the role of cities and city regions in driving more balanced regional
development. The NSS furthermore recognised the combined development potential of
Cork, Limerick-Shannon, Galway and Waterford – otherwise known as the Atlantic Gateways
– in establishing a metropolitan zone in the western and southern parts of Ireland with the
critical mass of population, infrastructure, connectivity and competitiveness, which would be
capable of acting at the international level in development terms. Furthermore, the NSS
envisaged the Atlantic Gateways complementing the emerging metropolitan corridor on the
eastern side of the island of Ireland and encompassing the cities of Dublin to Belfast. In all,
the Atlantic Gateway cities and the intervening urban and rural areas present a combined
potential future population catchment of around 1.2 million people by 2020.
The publication of the Atlantic Gateways Initiative Report in September 2006 set out in
more detail the analysis and recommendations underpinning the proposals for the Atlantic
Gateways focusing on the cities and their individual and complementary strengths. Since
2006, an implementation team comprised of representatives from the Department of the
Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG), the relevant Regional and Local
Authorities, Shannon Development and private sector interests has been focused on driving
forward the implementation of the Atlantic Gateways concept
Figure 1: Extract from the Atlantic Gateways Initiative Report (Sept 2006)
Recent positive steps that the Government has taken to support implementation of the
Atlantic Gateways Report have included commitments under the National Development Plan
2007-2013 to funding critical elements such as the Atlantic Road Corridor and Western Rail
Corridor.
However, what happens in the areas between the Atlantic Gateways is also critically
important to their strategic development and an overall planned approach to the Atlantic
gateways cities and intervening areas is essential if the Atlantic Gateways concept is to
succeed.
Recognising that each of the Atlantic Gateway cities have their own statutory planning
framework and in many cases sub regional land use and transportation strategies, this
document sets out strategic goals for the development of intervening and more rural areas
between the Atlantic Gateway cities and across county boundaries in a way that will
complement the strategies at the city/county level and that will be reflected in statutory
planning processes such as the 2010 Regional Planning Guidelines for the Southwest,
Midwest, West and South East Regional Authority areas and city, county and local area
plans.
This document is the outcome of collaborative deliberations between the planning

authorities, regional authorities and private sector interests such as IBEC and Chambers of
Commerce within the corridors identified above and represents a further important step
towards the absorption of Atlantic Gateways thinking into local planning policies through
the preparation of non-statutory strategic development frameworks for the four corridor
areas between the Atlantic Gateways:
• Galway - Limerick/Shannon;
• Limerick/Shannon - Cork;
• Cork - Waterford: and
• Waterford - Limerick/Shannon.
Key Recommendations
Firstly, what happens in the areas between the Atlantic Gateways, where housing
develops, the future of rural areas, trends in employment, is to a great degree determined
or at least influenced by how the Atlantic Gateways themselves are performing.
Implementation of the Atlantic Gateways concept therefore starts within the gateways
themselves.

Secondly, with 4 regional authorities, 10 city and county councils and many other town
councils covering the Atlantic Gateway areas, joined up approaches between regional and
local authorities in developing and applying policies to the co-ordination of development
around and between the Atlantic Gateways will be essential if the gateways are going to
develop sustainably into the future.
Thirdly, the analysis carried out in connection with the preparation of this report and
outlined in appendices 1 to 4 identify a high level of land use zoning under existing
statutory development plans for various towns and villages along the various Atlantic
Gateway corridors. By contrast, recent population trends indicate that with the exception of
Galway, the remaining gateways are growing at rates under the national average and in
some cases are declining in population with respect to their city council or more central
areas. Such trends are not consistent with enhancing critical mass and driving growth and
indicate that the policies around directing growth through statutory local planning policies
have a major role to play in spurring the growth of the gateways in a sustainable manner.
Taking account of the overall findings outlined above, overarching recommendations from
this report are set out below and are supplemented by more detailed recommendations at
the corridor level in the following sections.
Recommendation 1: National Investment – Growing the Gateways
Public investment under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 is transforming the
gateways and opening the way for wider private investment in new employment,
commercial and residential development and enhancement of the physical and social
environment. Within the more challenging budgetary and fiscal environment now prevailing,
prioritisation of investment in the gateways must continue as must investment
in signature elements such as the Atlantic Road Corridor and Western Rail
Corridor, which are now making good progress and will transform accessibility between
the Gateways.
Recommendation 2: Planning Policies
Regional Planning Guidelines for 2010 must set clear growth management
objectives between them for each of the four Atlantic Gateway Corridors for
subsequent application within new City/County Development Plans and Local Area Plans
and addressing the issue of overzoning and turning around the trend towards decline or
central city areas and rapid growth of dormitory type settlements strung out along the main
commuting corridors.

Recommendation 3: Towns and Villages
Investment in the towns and villages along each Atlantic Gateway corridor
should be supported building on individual town plans that are consistent with the
overall settlement strategy of the relevant Planning Authority and the appropriate regional
planning guidelines in force. Towns along the corridor should focus on acting as motors for
the progression of their own areas in economic and social terms, without detracting from
the regional and national functions of Gateways and Hub towns.
Recommendation 4: Rural Areas
Development plans for counties along the Atlantic Gateway corridors need to set
out a holistic and sustainable development strategy for the rural areas along the
Atlantic Gateway corridors, that is those areas outside the main cities and towns with a
population of 1500 persons and over.
Rural areas between the Atlantic Gateways are diverse, they contain many physical and
environmental attributes and they are experiencing differing development issues and
patterns. Smaller towns, villages and rural areas close to the Gateways and the main
commuter routes are frequently experiencing very significant pressures for development,
while remoter rural areas are experiencing the impacts of a restructuring of the rural
economy away from a dependence on agriculture: on occasion, this has resulted in the
decline in population of smaller rural villages and their surrounding countryside.
The careful management of countryside areas, their natural and built heritage and
landscapes and their potential to accommodate economic development, for example on the
Shannon estuary, is a key part of establishing an attractive qualitative context for the
Gateway, essential to their international competitiveness.
Specific Gateway Corridor Recommendations
1: Galway - Limerick/Shannon
• Implementation of the Galway Planning Land Use and Transportation

Strategy (GPTS) and Mid West Area Strategic Plan (MWASP) are vital to the
sustainable development of the Gateways themselves focusing major metropolitan
driven growth on:
o The development of compact new city urban extension proposals such as the
Galway City Eastern Environs (Ardaun) Strategy; and
o The Limerick City Northside and Southside Regeneration Strategies including
the Northern Area Masterplan, as well as the implementation of the Shannon
Town and Free Zone Masterplans.
• The accelerated delivery of the Atlantic Road corridor and Western Rail
corridor in an integrated fashion including the development of road and public
transport interchanges within the Gateway cities and at key nodes such as Shannon
Airport as the primary international access point for the Corridor as well as Ennis,
Athenry and Gort and Sixmilebridge as an interchange point between the western
rail corridor and Shannon Airport by bus shuttle.
• The development of key settlements of Ennis, Shannon, Gort, Tuam,

Athenry and Sixmilebridge and management of urban sprawl through the
densification of existing town/settlement areas. Sustainable settlement patterns will
reduce greenhouse emissions.
• Careful management of development pressures at major transportation

interchanges such as those along the proposed Atlantic Corridor balancing the
need to harness the benefits of increased accessibility with the need to protect
future capacity and the state’s investment.
• The preparation of wider rural development strategies for the intervening

rural areas along the Limerick/Shannon – Galway Corridor. The key environmental
objectives are the conservation and prudent management of the natural beauty and
heritage of the more rural spaces between the gateways and key inter-gateway
urban centres so that a high quality urban and rural environment is presented to
both residents who live or come to want to live along the Corridor and to the
investor who is critical to driving the economy of the Corridor.
2: Limerick/Shannon - Cork
• Delivery of Cork Docklands (CASP) – through focused investment into its

regeneration and building on the Budget 2008 announcements regarding
incentivisation in finding alternative locations for the hazardous installations
to which the EU Seveso Directive applies.
• Development of an overall Integrated Approach to the Harbour Area including

Ringaskiddy – including the immediate upgrading of the N28 to Ringaskiddy Port
and industrial area.

• Improved links to Cork Airport including a bus corridor as part of an integrated
public transport system.
• Further development and facilitation of research and development innovation

in Cork building on its pharmaceutical and ICT Centres of Excellence (links to
existing centres of third level Education) and in Limerick further implementation of
the shared innovation strategy.
• Delivery and future expansion of the Cork Suburban Rail Project under the
Cork Area Strategic Plan(CASP) including delivery of the planned new settlement
at Monard.
• Continued investment in the quality and amenity of the urban fabric, including
branding and marketing of Cork and Limerick City Centres and joint initiatives in
tourism and marketing of the region – combining strengths of the gateways and
improving connectivity between the regions.
• Improved public transport linkages between the Cork – Limerick Gateways,

Hubs and other settlements.
• Investment in Mallow NSS Hub town under the Special Local area Plan (SLAP)
including local roads, local public transport and delivery of improved water
services.
• Initiation of a town centre enhancement scheme and
• Progress in delivering employment and development sites including ‘Mallow

West’.
3: Cork - Waterford
• Upgrading of the Waterford Institute of Technology campus to University

status with the university retaining its technological/business bias and the
Carriganore Campus being developed without delay, while recognising that this is
primarily a matter for the Government to decide upon an appropriate way forward
within the wider national context.
• Focusing the location of research & development facilities in the

Gateways in conjunction with the third level institutions and enhanced co-
operation between the institutions.
• The delivery of the 2+2 dual carriageway/motorway standard road
connectivity between Waterford and Cork is an essential part of this strategy.
• The further development of Waterford Airport by way of better access,

terminal/runway expansion and support facilities for passenger and improved
infrastructure for the airport, making the South-East/N25 corridor more attractive to
potential employers and add value to the employment potential of the area.
• Metropolitan Area Networks (MANS) have been provided in most if the larger
towns and require marketing and other measures to grow their usage by local
businesses. Furthermore, access to broadband in rural areas under the new
National Broadband Scheme must be progressed quickly.
• The quality of existing public transport services within and between the
Gateways needs further enhancement through the provision of park and ride
facilities and better integration with good rural public transport systems.
• Enhanced use of existing rail transshipment facilities at Belview Port is a

vital part of the transport infrastructure required to improve efficiency of cargo
movement throughout the Region and beyond and is seen as a vital determinant in
the upgrade of the Corridor Rail network.
4: Waterford - Limerick/Shannon
• Implementation of the Waterford Planning and Land Use Transportation

Study (PLUTS) and the Mid-West Area Strategic Plan (MWASP) – currently
being prepared) focusing major development on:
o As mentioned earlier, the Limerick City Docklands in addition to the Northside

and Southside Regeneration Master Plans.
o Waterford City Centre including the redeveloped North Quays, Belview and a
knowledge and enterprise zone centred on WIT and the IDA Technology
Park.
• Upgrading of the N24 National Route as a major inter-urban corridor to

reinforce the transport links between Waterford and Limerick and allowing for
greater access from the corridor to the multi-modal transport interchanges and
national access points located at Shannon Airport, Foynes and Belview.

• Accelerated development of key towns along the Waterford-Limerick Corridor
at Carrick-on-suir, Clonmel, Cahir, Tipperary and both Cashel and Thurles
within the hinterland of the corridor as attractive places to live and work.
• Development of Limerick Junction as a strategic transport gateway for N-S

and E-W road and rail traffic
• Enhancement of the existing Limerick-Waterford rail line services to

provide rail commuter services to and from both Limerick and Waterford and
inter-town connection between the towns of Carrick, Clonmel, Cahir and
Tipperary/Limerick Junction with Park and ride facilities and feeder buse services
from more outlying rural areas.
• A plan led approach to protecting, conserving and harnessing the

corridors rural assets in terms of landscape, small town and village structure,
water quality and inland waterways.
• Relocation of the Clonmel campus of the Tipperary Institute to

Ballingarrane Estate as part of a wider and strengthened knowledge network
encompassing the various centres of third and fourth level education In Limerick,
Waterford and Tipperary.
A more comprehensive description of the issues within each Atlantic Gateway corridor and
implementation actions is contained in Appendices 1 to 4.
Next Steps
The Atlantic Gateways report is a comprehensive recognition by Government of their
collective potential and has been backed with national level investment.
This document is about follow-through on planning policy at a more local level. Therefore
the primary audience for this non-statutory document is represented by the relevant
regional and local authorities.
The roll-out of infrastructural investment under the NDP 2007-2013 and the preparation,
including implementation, of these frameworks present a unique opportunity to create plan
and infrastructural investment-led development rather than the other way around.
Major roads, investment in rail connectivity between these Gateways and the existing local
planning process present the opportunity to integrate national strategic infrastructure

planning and local planning to secure sustainable long-term growth. Long-term planning for
physical and social infrastructure needs to take account of local spatial planning
considerations such as the need to provide for access to strategic locations such as Hub
towns and other locations in road investments, tied in with access to public transport nodes
and close to the existing built-up areas to provide for compact sustainable urban
development.
Notwithstanding the above, the NDP 2007-2013 provides for many of the key physical
infrastructure elements essential to the implementation of the Atlantic Gateway concept. An
important step is the reduction of the impact of distance between the Gateways and in
improving the overall attractiveness of the Atlantic Gateway cities. Other elements of the
NDP include substantial investment in the capacity of water services infrastructure at
strategic locations to cater for plan-led development, investment in housing development
and regeneration and investment to secure the diversification of the rural economy through
communications, tourism and rural development initiatives.
Taking account of the unique opportunities to drive plan led development:
• The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

along with other Departments and agencies will, through the monitoring
arrangements for the National Development Plan 2007-2013, seek to maintain a
high level of priority around the transportation and gateway development measures
in the NDP focusing especially on the Mid Term Review of the NDP in 2010.
• Regional Authorities and constituent local authorities, will work together to

ensure that the next round of RPG’s due in mid 2010 are fully reflective of the
thinking behind the Atlantic Gateways concept and put forward credible proposals
for the management of growth along the corridors;
• Local authorities will advance plans for the various towns along the Atlantic
Gateway Corridors in line with Regional Planning Guidelines and strategies for
gateways at the sub-regional level and will ensure that future reviews and variations
of existing plans will take account of this document and the Atlantic Gateways
report in general;
• Regional Authorities, the Regional Assemblies and the Chambers of

Commerce /IBEC will work together in exploring other collaborative exercises in
the Atlantic Gateways areas including joint marketing, networking and other
measures to promote an integrated approach to planning and development along
the Atlantic Gateway Corridors.
Section 1 - Galway - Limerick/Shannon Corridor
Section 1.1: The Existing Corridor
This Section is a joint collaboration by the Mid-West and West Regional Authorities and
local authorities within the existing corridor, namely, Clare County Council, Galway County
Council, Galway City Council, Limerick County Council and Limerick City Council.
Map 1 Galway - Limerick/Shannon Corridor
1.1.1 Introduction
The cities of Galway and Limerick are approximately 100 kilometres apart. The Galway –
Limerick/Shannon corridor centred along the N18 and depicted on map 1 above has an
approximate area of 3,000 sq km. and encompasses a population of around 300,000
people. The area within the corridor grew by 70,000 in the past fifteen years - a rate of
growth of 2% per annum which almost matches the national rate of growth over the
period. Approximately 240,000 of this population is located in urban or suburban districts.
The corridor contains the NSS Gateway cities of Galway and Limerick / Shannon, the hub
towns of Ennis in Co. Clare and Tuam in County Galway, and the towns of Shannon and
Sixmilebridge in Co Clare, Gort and Athenry in Co. Galway as well as several other smaller
villages. Both Gateways play an important role in the overall development of the corridors
contiguous area from a social, economical, cultural and educational perspective. The
Galway Transportation and Planning Study (GTPS) area defines the northern section of the
Limerick / Shannon / Ennis Atlantic Gateways Corridor (figure 1.1) and the southern section
of the corridor comprises Zone 1 of the Mid West Regional Planning Guidelines; figure 1.2.
Figure 1.1 Galway Transportation Planning Study (GTPS) Integration Study Area

Figure 1.2 Zone 1 of the Mid West Regional Planning Guidelines.
The corridor contains very significant employment opportunities - more than 100,000 jobs
are employed at various locations. About 66,000 of these are located in the
Limerick/Shannon/Ennis area and 40,000 in Galway City alone. Thus, the corridor has a
considerable concentration of the necessary business and professional occupations,
described as "the creative class".
The universities and third-level colleges of Galway and Limerick anchor the production of
human capital at either end of the corridor and are recognised as centres of excellence in
their particular fields and continue to build their contribution to knowledge-based industries
and their production of graduates at all levels of academic scholarship.
The Galway – Limerick/Shannon Corridor traverses two regional authority areas that of the
Mid-West and the West regions, whose combined population in 2006 was 774,034 persons.
Recent population projections (DEHLG, 2007) indicate that by 2020, the combined
population of these two regions could rise to almost one million people.

The areas around each Gateway such as the GTPS area in Galway and the Mid West RPG
Zone 1 (Ref. map 1.24) had a population of 164,283 (GTPS) and 186,895 (Zone 1)
respectively in 2006. Again, these areas are expected to increase in population to 214,894
(GTPS) and 232,805 (Zone 1) by 2020. The population of the Local Authority areas relevant
to the corridor are illustrated in Graph 1.1.
The populations of the various cities and towns along the transport corridor between the
two gateways and rural areas was estimated to be around 177,285 people in 2006 of which
161,168 lived in the two cities and main towns and the balance lived in the rural areas
along the N18 route. Taking account of the above, it is clear that the Galway – Limerick
/Shannon Corridor is a significant population agglomeration in the State. Map 1 indicates in
an illustrative manner, the area covered by the corridor and its wider context. However,
given improvements in transport infrastructure and as travel and development patterns
evolve, the nature and extent of the corridor will be dynamic and will constantly change.
Graph 1.1 2006 population of the Local Authority areas relevant to the corridor.
1.1.2 Galway and Limerick/Shannon Gateways

The GTPS area encompasses the Galway Gateway and Tuam hub, as illustrated in Figure
1.1. It is anticipated that by the year 2020, the sub-regional GTPS hinterland will have a
population of approximately 214,894 or 40% of the West Region’s population. An array of
towns and villages are dispersed throughout the study area and outside of those, the

corridor is predominantly rural in nature. The main settlements within the corridor are
Tuam, Athenry, Gort, Ennis, Sixmilebridge and Shannon.
Limerick City sits at the lowest crossing point on the River Shannon and is bisected by the
River Shannon. Together with Shannon town, Limerick is designated in the National Spatial
Strategy as the "Gateway" to the Mid West Region and as the location of a strong
competitive economic node. Limerick is the third largest city in the country, with the core
gateway area, highlighted in yellow in figure 1.3 accommodating 137,000 people in 2006.
Zone 1 of the Mid West Regional Planning Guidelines is anticipated to have a population of
232,805 in 2020. The Galway Gateway as defined in the NSS is the fourth largest in the
State, with a significant catchment area and has had considerable growth rates in the past
two decades.
Figure 1.3 The Limerick Gateway City core area and the surrounding area within
Zone 1.
The new Shannon Town Centre Master Development Plan together with a new Masterplan
for the Shannon Free Zone industrial area, when incorporated into the South Clare
Economic Corridor Local Area Plan will give effect to Shannon’s ambitious redevelopment
proposals as a fast developing new town and industrial area. The Shannon Free Zone has a
major economic impact on the surrounding area, both in terms of commuting work flows
and in local sub-supply. Proximity to Shannon Airport, as well as linkages to the industrial

and educational services in Limerick, have been key features of its success. The 2020
projected population for Shannon Town is13,200.
Both Gateways benefit from the location of Shannon Airport within the Corridor. The growth
and sustainability of Shannon Airport is in the interest of both Gateways and the wider
urban and rural areas. Public/private collaboration on the development of the Corridor’s
future air access is vital in the interests of developing a corridor area with an international-
level service that will enable it to operate and compete collectively on the national and
international stage.
1.1.3 Ennis and Tuam Hubs

Ennis which is located between the two Gateways of Galway and Limerick/Shannon is the
largest settlement along the Corridor and is a designated NSS Hub Town. It is strategically
located approximately 40 kilometres north of Limerick on the N18 National Primary Route
and is one of the fastest growing Hub Towns in the country with an Ennis & Environs
population of 30,000. It is serviced by the Ennis – Dublin rail line (currently eight return
daily services) and in 2009 will be serviced by the Western Rail Corridor. The town is an
important residential, market and commercial centre in the corridor area, providing
significant levels of employment.
Tuam is located at the northern end of the Atlantic Corridor, is the principal town in Galway
County and is a major commercial hub for the North Galway – South Mayo sub-region. It is
strategically located approximately 38 kilometres north of Galway on the N17 National
Primary Route which makes up part of the spine of the Corridor. Tuam and its environs has
seen a 34% growth in population since 2002. The town will also be serviced by the
Western Rail Corridor.
1.1.4 Other Towns on the Corridor

Athenry is a convergence point of importance given the N/M6 and N/M18 routes converge
here, together with the convergence of the Galway–Dublin rail line and Western Corridor
Rail line which gives Athenry town strategic importance within this Atlantic Gateways
Corridor. In addition, the natural gas pipeline and electricity transmission network (220kV)
all converge at this location. For these reasons and given Athenry’s proximity to the Galway
Gateway, the area extending from Galway City to Athenry is designated as a strategic
development corridor in the Galway Co. Development Plan.
Gort is an important centre on the western transport corridor, located between Galway and
Ennis / Limerick on the N18; offering a range of services to a wide rural hinterland. It has
good future potential in terms of road and rail; it will be served by the first phase of the

Western Rail Corridor and the new dual – carriageway will enhance its convenience to both
the north and south. The 2006 CSO population figure for Gort was 2,782, representing a
53.8% increase on 2002, with most of its employment based on manufacturing and
tourism. Gort is designated a heritage town and has strong historical and literary links,
attracting tourism, in addition to its close proximity to Coole Park, Thoor Ballylee, Lough
Derg and the Burren.
Sixmilebridge is located three miles east of the National Road Network (N18) serving the
two Gateways of Galway and Limerick/Shannon, approximately six miles from Shannon
International Airport and four miles from the tourist attractions at Bunratty. It is the only
large town in the South Clare Economic Corridor Plan, 2002-2008, apart from Shannon that
is designated for expansion. The service infrastructure is in place for this expansion to take
place. At the 2006 census it had a population of 1,659. The population of Sixmilebridge
increased by 25% in the inter-censal period 2002-2006. A rail stop is being developed in
the town and is due to open in March 2009 as part of the development of the Western Rail
Corridor, which will link Galway to Ennis and Limerick as part of the Atlantic corridor
development strategy.
1.1.5 Villages and Rural Hinterland

Villages and rural hinterland are experiencing different development issues and
development pressures. Smaller towns and rural areas close to the Gateways and the main
commuter routes are experiencing significant pressures for development. The 2006 CSO
Census highlighted issues of population decline in rural villages, while some of the Corridor
villages close to the Gateways and the main commuter routes recorded significant growth.
Proper and prompt water and sewerage servicing of these smaller towns and villages is a
key issue for their future growth and sustainability. Some of the remoter rural areas are
experiencing the impacts of a restructuring of the rural economy away from a dependence
on agriculture and this has resulted in the decline in population of smaller rural villages and
their surrounding countryside. The encouragement and support of local enterprise is vital
to the future sustainable development of these areas.
1.1.6 Existing Development Plans

The statutory City and County Development Plans have specific planning and development
policies and objectives set out in their respective areas within the Corridor. The common
planning policy theme is focused around proper planning and sustainable development, in
so far as future development is directed towards a range of existing settlements. The
promotion of sustainable rural development is a central policy in all existing county
development plans.

Existing Strategies, Plans & Policies in the Galway – Limerick/Shannon Corridor
1. National Spatial Strategy 2002 – 2020

2. West Regional Planning Guidelines 2004 - 2016
3. Mid-West Regional Planning Guidelines 2004
4. The Galway County Development Plan 2003 – 2009 (amended)
5. Galway City Council Development Plan 2005 – 2011
6. Oranmore Local Area Plan
7. Claregalway Local Area Plan
8. Bearna Local Area Plan
9. Tuam Local Area Plan
10. Athenry Local Area Plan
11. Gort Local Area Plan
12. Clarinbridge Local Area Plan
13. Kinvara Integrated Area Plan
14. Ardrahan Settlement Strategy Plan
15. Craughwell Settlement Strategy Plan
16. Kilcolgan Settlement Strategy Plan
17. Framework Document for the Strategic Development Corridor between Galway &
Athenry
18. GTPS (Galway Transport and Planning Study) 2003
19. Limerick County Development Plan 2005
20. Adare Local Area Plan 2003
21. Patrickswell Local Area Plan 2002
22. Southern Environs Local Area Plan 2005
23. Caherdavin Local Area Plan 2005
24. Castleconnell Local Area Plan 2007
25. Castletroy Local Area Plan 2003
26. Village Design Statement for Murroe
27. Planning and Languages Transportation Study for the Limerick Area
28. Clare County Development Plan 2005 – 2011
29. South Clare Economic Corridor Local Area Plan 2003
30. Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2003
31. North Clare Local Area Plan 2005
32. East Clare Local Area Plan 2003
33. Limerick City Development Plan 2004 – 2010

Section 1.2: Prospects for Growth
Galway - Limerick/Shannon Corridor
1.2.1 Regional Population Projections

By 2020 it is envisaged that the population of the Mid West Region will grow to over
450,000 and the West Region to over 527,000. Over the coming 12 years, the implications
of this level of growth for Limerick City are that if the Mid West region as a whole is likely
to grow by about 76,000 persons then at least 45,000 are likely to seek residence in and
around the Limerick/Shannon Gateway. In Galway, a large proportion of the estimated
population growth in the West region up to 2020 will be within the GTPS area. The GPTS
estimated growth to 2020 is a target population of 214,894. (See Table 2.3).
Year 1996 2002 2006 2020 Change

1996-2003
Population 126,910 144,189 164,283 *214,894 37,373
Table 2.3 Recorded (CSO) and *estimated Population figures for the GTPS
1.2.2 Land Use

The land use availability for the corridor area is based on the undeveloped residentially
zoned lands in the plan areas of the Corridor. The breakdown of these figures is available in
tables 2.5 – 2.8. The total figure for available residentially zoned lands in the corridor
areas is 3,387 hectares (ha). In the case of the Galway Gateway there are two significant
additional areas designated for Local Area Plans in the City, i.e. Ardaun (149ha) and
Murrough (40ha).
R Residential 159.4 ha
LDR Lower Density Residential 71 ha
Total Figure 230.4 ha
Table 2.5 Undeveloped Residential lands in Galway City

Ennis / Clarecastle 485.9
Newmarket-on-Fergus 32.41
Shannon 49.83
Sixmilebridge 38.24
Bunratty 2.72
Meelick 5.66
Ardnacrusha 24.26
Total Figure 639.02ha
Figure 2.6 Areas of Available Residential Land in County Clare (In Zone 1)
*There is no residentially zoned land in the Parteen settlement. The land is
comprised mainly of Other Settlement Land (OSL) and Open Space areas, of
which there is 28.84ha of undeveloped O.S.L.
Settlement Residentially Res Lands Total

Zoned Lands Developed undeveloped
Claregalway 78.5 13.016 65.5
Bearna 145.3 0 145.3

Headford 113 28.305 84.7
Kinvara 53 8.8619 44.1
Gort 116.6 5.3908 111.2
Oranmore 278.7 0.63 278.1
Loughrea 264.4 9.9905 254.4
Tuam 496 32.7541 463.2
Oughterard 136.3 6.1334 130.2
Moycullen 122.3 17.5614 104.7
Athenry 267 24.406 242.6
Total 1,924 ha
Figure 2.7 Areas of Available Residential Land in Co. Galway (inside GTPS)

Caherdavin 12.38
Castleconnell 36.55
Castletroy 88.48
Fedamore 12.38
Montpelier 05.69
Patrickswell 61.25
Soutern Environs 250.00
Adare 23.45
Caherconlish 11.75
Total Figure 501.93 ha
Figure 2.8 Areas of Available Residential Land in County Limerick (Zone 1)
1.2.3 Key Infrastructure Interventions

Within the Corridor, there are ongoing investments (as set out in the National Development
Plan 2007-2013) in road and rail infrastructure which will improve the connectivity between
Galway and Limerick/Shannon. In particular, investments in road include the N6 / N7 / N17
/ N18 and N19 upgrades. The Western Rail Corridor will be delivered through the
reconstruction of the existing rail line and will provide for a rail link between Galway and
Limerick through Ennis with the future possibility of adding a rail spur to Shannon. The
additional access provided by the Western Rail Corridor will provide more sustainable
access along the Corridor. The opening of new rail stations will impact on such areas as
they become attractive places to live and work, i.e. Ardrahan and Sixmilebridge rail stations
opening in 2009. Plan-led development will be important for these areas to manage and
optimise the value of the public investment. Details of major planned and specific
infrastructure projects are listed below.
List of Key Infrastructural Developments & Significant investment
1. N6 / N18 and N17

2. Galway City Outer by-pass
3. East Galway Main Drainage
4. Western Rail (Ennis – Athenry) and (Athenry – Tuam)

5. Commuter Rail
6. Tynagh Power Plant and Complex
7. Gas powered plant to the east of Galway City
8. Phase2 of Southern Ring Road Project; Limerick Tunnel, consists of 675m of
underground tunnel connecting to upgraded N7 (under construction) Dublin-
Limerick-Cork-Galway.
9. Major water services projects ongoing within Limerick City and suburban area.
10. Limerick Northern Ring Road connecting N18 at Connagh to the N7 at Annacotty.
11. Quality bus corridors and park and ride provision at the N18, N7 and N20.
12. Major expansion and upgrade of the University Concert Hall to care for a wider
range of activities including conferences, larger concerts and outdoor concerts.
13. Water services program
14. Major anti – erosion measures at Silver Strand, Galway
15. Waste management measures; Concert/conference facility at NUIG
16. Third level Education expansion; Second level education expansion
17. The enhancement of the Atlantic Road Corridor, including links to other Gateways,
with accelerated priority going to the completion of the Limerick-Galway section of
the N18 to high quality dual carriageway. The next stage of this project is the N18
Gort to Crusheen scheme. It consists of 22 km of high quality dual carriageway
extending from Ballingers Corner, north of Gort, to Craggard, south of Crusheen,
where it ties in with the N18 Ennis bypass.
18. Improvement of road access to Shannon Airport;
19. The R-352 Ennis – Tulla route has been extensively upgraded also providing greater
ease of access to the East of the County.
20. The upgrading of the Limerick Ennis rail line, reopening of commuter rail stops, and
additional frequency of commuter rail services.
21. Re-opening of passenger services on the Ennis-Athenry leg of the Western Rail
Corridor is promised in ‘TRANSPORT 21’, and the feasibility of a Shannon Airport rail
link has been studied.
22. The completion of the Shannon Limerick Rail Study for a new rail link between
Shannon and Limerick.
23. Shannon Airport is the second largest airport in Ireland and is developing into a
significant hub. It provides international access to the region, including from the US,
and is the key feature of the area’s transport infrastructure.
24. Waste Water Services investment programmes.
25. In Ennis a new main drainage scheme including a 50,000-population equivalent
treatment plant is due for completion by 2012. A new water treatment plant is to be
completed within 2 years. A new trunk water mains infrastructure is being provided
in association with the bypass.

26. Ennis Town Water Supply Augmentation Scheme ( 18 months contract) Due1st
Quarter 2009
27. Newmarket on Fergus Contracts 3 and 4 due for completion Spring 2008
28. The Castle Lake upgrade and augmentation scheme for Shannon Town is at the
Planning Stage
29. The Newmarket-on-Fergus Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade should be
complete by 2008 and the Quin Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade should also
be complete by 2008.
30. The Clonlara (SLI) should have construction complete in 2009. In Shannon Town,
construction is due to be complete by 2009.
31. The Blackwater, Parkroe, Gillogue, Ardnacrusha, Athlunkard, Lakyle, Ballycannan,
Meelick, Parteen scheme should have Phased Construction complete by 2008 to
2010.
32. An upgrade of the Shannon Town Treatment works upgrade should be complete by
2010
33. The Killaloe Sewerage Scheme is in the planning stage
34. Galway City Bus Strategy
35. Water Services Investement Program - Galway City / Environs
36. Docklands Development - Galway City
37. Galway Airport - Investment in Infrastructure.
38. Ceannt Station - Investment in delivering an Improved Integrated Transportation
Hub

Section 1.3: Strategic Development Opportunities
Galway - Limerick/Shannon Corridor
1.3.1 Introduction
The underlying driver of economic development is the availability of highly skilled and
educated people - what economists and social scientists frequently refer to as human
capital. Places that have more social capital tend to thrive, while those with lower levels
tending to stagnate or decline. Universities play a key role in creating initial advantages in
human capital, which becomes cumulative and self-reinforcing over time. Amenities also
play a role in attracting and retaining highly-educated, high-skills households. Tolerance
and openness to diversity are also important. The Galway – Limerick/Shannon Corridor
offers strong potential to deliver the social capital and physical infrastructure required to
drive overall regional development.
The Shannon Free Zone comprises the largest single concentration of industrial and
international service activity on the Corridor. The National Technology Park, beside the
University of Limerick, is Ireland’s first technology park with a balanced mix of multi-
national subsidiaries and Irish technology companies. Raheen Business Park, beside
Limerick City, has industry concentrations in computers, electronics, food and metal
products. At Ennis, significant developments are taking place around the Information Age
Park as a focus for information-related enterprises. Galway has built up a substantial
momentum of growth from both indigenous enterprise and inward investment. Main
clusters around Galway City are at Mervue Industrial Estate, Parkhouse Business Park,
Ballybrit Business Park and Galway Business Park. Major sectors include medical devices,
information technology and software.
Significantly, Galway and Limerick/Shannon excel in different sectors, providing

complementary industrial structures. In addition to the industrial sector, the
Limerick/Shannon-Galway Corridor has well established an internationally renowned
strengths in tourism. The area serves as a gateway to main tourism destinations, such as
the Burren and Connemara, and also has assets in urban-related tourism, particularly in
Galway, and increasingly in Limerick. Shannon Airport serves as a major international
gateway for the western seaboard for both industry and tourism, with established linkages
with both Limerick and Galway. Cooperation already exists between third-level educational
institutions (University of Limerick, NUI-Galway, Galway- Mayo IT and Limerick IT), offering
an established foundation for knowledge-based enterprise.
The strategic opportunities for the Galway – Limerick/Shannon Corridor thus offer several
ingredients for mobilising social capital:

• the mixed range of complementary sectors offers the ability to compete in several
areas; while there may be concentrations in specific locations, the overall Corridor
has a healthy economic mixture;
• there is a growing number of indigenous enterprises in the export and new
technology sectors which need to be encouraged as a base for the future;
• the Corridor’s role as a combined gateway for international tourism gives it strategic
national importance;
• these complementary strengths in industry and tourism can act as a collective
resource, reinforcing each other; and
• the momentum for research and development has been established by the higher
education institutions.
To achieve the potential of the Corridor, it will be vital that economic development
infrastructure investment and the planning policies of constituent planning authorities
recognise the complementarities, interconnections and interdependencies between the
Gateways of Limerick/Shannon and Galway and their wider regions. It is the combination of
these distinctive characteristics and defining features that produces a synergy and a set of
development opportunities that is greater than the sum of the individual gateways and
intervening areas. The challenge for spatial strategies in the Limerick/Shannon-Galway
Corridor is thus to provide the context for these activities to flourish, including an attractive
living environment, high quality leisure resources, excellent transport links and competitive
working conditions.
A new Planning and Land Use Transportation Study is being prepared for the Mid West
Region (entitled Mid West Area Strategic Plan MWASP) and, together with a review of both
the West and Mid-West Regional Planning Guidelines, this should now fully integrate the
concept of the Atlantic Corridor and should be seamless across regional boundaries.
1.3.2 Strategic Development Opportunities in the Corridor
Galway Gateway
The Galway Gateway is a high value and high skills activity area. Galway has a good
infrastructure base, the right people and skills and quality of life assets that sets the City
apart. This in turn will maximise the benefits it brings through good physical assets - road,
rail, telecoms etc. - a high education and research base and will consequently allow for a
good balance of development throughout the Corridor.
Limerick Gateway
The Limerick / Ennis / Shannon area has experienced considerable development and
population growth during the past twenty years, with new facilities and services having
been provided during this period. Together they create an urban agglomeration that is
centrally located within the region and that has the potential to be easily accessed from all
parts. The presence of Shannon International Airport and major educational institutions
such as the University of Limerick and the Limerick Institute of Technology strengthen the
Limerick / Ennis / Shannon area as a national focal point.
Shannon Free Zone Master Plan

Shannon Development is drawing up a new Master Plan for the future development of the
Shannon Free Zone. This is a large-scale complex master planning project and will include
greenfield, brownfield, regeneration and reconstruction master planning. The completed
master plan will set out the design guidelines for all future physical developments on
Shannon Free Zone and will incorporate very exacting sustainability standards with a
minimum carbon footprint. Shannon Free Zone will aim to be an exemplar for firms wishing
to operate with minimised consequences for the environment.
Opportunities
From a business perspective, location anywhere in the Corridor gives access to a skilled and
educated labour force of at least 150,000 people linked by good and improving road access
with rail links in the offing and international air connectivity through Shannon to the US and
Europe. Wage rates in Limerick and Galway are lower than Dublin as are almost all costs of
doing business - from rents of office and industrial space to business service charges.
Within the Corridor there is very evidently a pool of management and professional talent
experienced at the cutting edge of international business.
From a workers’ perspective, almost all of the urban centres in the Corridor are within a 20-
30 minute drive of each other. To live anywhere within this Corridor is to live within 20
minutes driving time of a major employment centre hosting at least 12,000 jobs.
Away from the centre-line of the Corridor along the N18, there is easy access to sea shore
in the West, and lake shore in the East which offers the ideal amenity and recreation
environment to hold and retain the knowledge workers of the creative class. The urban
centres provide unrivalled cultural access whether traditional music, theatre, sports or the
arts in general.
The residential amenities on offer are many and varied from central apartments in the
pedestrianised urban cores to suburban dwellings adjacent to city or village or secluded
family homes on quiet country lanes. All locations are within reach of varied recreation
amenities whether seacoast, hill walking trails, or lake activities.

The development of the Atlantic Corridor concept presents new strategic opportunities for
the larger settlements along the main arterial transportation links (road and rail) which
make up the Corridor. From north to south, these are Tuam, Athenry, Gort, Ennis, Shannon
and Sixmilebridge. There are several other smaller scale settlements but their capacity for
growth to a significant size is somewhat limited given the need to retain their scale and
character.
By identifying a limited number of medium-sized Corridor settlements as locations for

focused investment and planned development it should be possible to create the critical
mass needed to support the rural populations between the Gateways and provide a range
of lifestyle choices for newly formed households. The Corridor can also provide the
opportunity for mobile or rural-based enterprises to locate in serviced areas other than
Gateway City locations.
The realisation of this inter-Gateway settlement pattern requires co-ordinated decision-

making and investment choices at national and regional level as strategic, targeted
investments in additional to enabling infrastructure, such as water and waste water,
broadband and ICT initiatives etc. will be required.
Threats
The spread of residential development away from the Corridor to more unserviced rural
hinterlands, lakeshore and sea coasts may threaten the very attractiveness of these
amenities. The importance of sustaining a proper settlement hierarchy of cities, towns and
villages and viable commercial cores within each settlement is essential for the sustainable
development of the Corridor.
Challenges
Creating and Marketing the linked potential of the Corridor is a key challenge. and will not
happen without considerable effort and expenditure. While the provision of the transport
linkages will provide the physical basis for the creation of such a single market in the
medium term, the mere existence of these linkages will not, of themselves, create an
image of such an integrated entity.
The political will to work in close co-operation is also a vital initial step as is the availability
of the transport linkages.
Skills development and linking skills with enterprise is a key challenge within the Corridor.
The linkage of R & D in the third- and fourth-level education Institutes has also been
identified as a critical factor in enhancing the capacity of regions to attract industry. While

there are a number of innovative models seeking to promote such linkages (such as the EI
Innovation Vouchers Scheme), an enhancement of the resources available at third-level to
create the linkages between enterprise and researchers is required. A five-year programme
of assistance to third-level (Universities and Institutes within the Corridor) to enable them
to provide linking personnel on an enhanced scale is suggested as assisting in creating a
new climate of co-operation between third- level and enterprise in the Corridor.
The quality of Limerick City Centre, while considerably enhanced over recent years, requires
sustained improvement over time into the future. This view is reinforced by the fact that
commercial floorspace rents in Limerick City Centre are lower than some of the City’s
suburb shopping areas. This has been recognised in the Gateway Innovation Fund proposal
which have been submitted to Government, in which the pedestrianisation and
enhancement of the public realm in Limerick City has been identified as a key action. These
proposals need to get Government approval so that the enhancement of the quality of the
Gateway’s built environment can be moved forward.
Strategic Future
The Galway - Limerick/Shannon Corridor possesses all the desirable characteristics that
meet the requirements of the modern knowledge based industry and which has the
potential to attract and retain the social capital necessary through the quality of life offered
in both recreational and cultural terms. In this regard, the strategy for the future must be
to protect the environment including the landscape, sea coast and lake shore, to prevent
the emergence of transport bottlenecks at overused nodes and to ensure that economic
development and employment opportunities can arise at appropriate locations throughout
the corridor.
The challenge for the future is to positively manage and improve the stock of physical,
quality of life, knowledge and innovation and infrastructural attributes of the corridor in
order to create a virtuous circle that attracts population increase and investment adding
further to the attractive power of the corridor and its wider regions.
Future Strategic Potential

An increasing population builds directly on the economic capacity of the Corridor and thus
presents a significant amount of development potential for the area. Concentrations of
population increase the attractiveness of that area, drives demand for services and supports
and sustains the age cohort involved in education and employment. Promotion of tourism,
education, links to industry coupled with research and development all offer increased
positive potential within the Corridor area. Investments in the promotion of tourism assets
within the Corridor such as the ?31m Cliffs of Moher Visitors’ Centre and investments to
enhance the Corridor’s built and natural heritage and cultural infrastructure are welcome.
The third- and fourth-level education presence is strong in both the Galway and Limerick-
Shannon Gateways, providing a strong potential R&D linkage to industry within the Corridor
area.
The completion by 2010 of the dual carriageway link and a rail link between Limerick and
Galway will mean significant reduction in journey times between both cities and from both
cities to rural areas in between.
1.3.3 Current Gaps in Planning Policy/Documentation
Limerick Regeneration Companies (Fitzgerald Report)

The Fitzgerald proposals will stimulate new development in the northern and southern
suburbs of Limerick City and facilitate new development opportunities along the route of
the proposed Northern Relief Road (and in the vicinity of the proposed new rail platform at
Moyross), which will ultimately link the eastern, northern and western parts of Limerick City
and lead to a more balanced development of Limerick City. The growth and progress of the
Limerick-Shannon Gateway relies on the long-term well-being and protection of Limerick
City Centre. To address the immediate needs of parts of Limerick City, the Fitzgerald report
concludes that three strands of intervention are necessary to achieve progress,
• intensive police intervention,

• the economic and infrastructural regeneration of the Moyross, Southill, Ballinacurra/
Weston and St. Mary’s park areas of the city, and
• a coordinated response to social and educational disadvantage.
Structures and funding are being made available to progress the three strands. This
approach provides a model that can be applied to other residential areas requiring
regeneration within the Corridor area.
Limerick Docklands Development Plan

Across many coastal cities, redevelopment of docklands has been a very positive force in
re-imaging and enhancing cities. Arrangements are in hand to consider options for Limerick
in this regard. However, the working committee has not yet reached a conclusion on the
future development of the Limerick Docklands area.
The Ardaun Concept

The strategy for Galway City is to continue to be a major focal point for growth at the
national, regional and local levels. Consolidation of the City’s growth in a co-ordinated and
sustainable manner will be a major focus for the future. Consolidated growth will be

achieved through the development of Ardaun a new settlement area straddling the eastern
boundary of the city encompassing lands in the county as recommended by the GTPS.
1.3.4 Natural Heritage

The natural heritage of the Atlantic Gateway Corridor is a resource of strategic importance
in the development of sustainable tourism and maintaining a high quality of life in the
Corridor area. The landscape of the Gateway is remarkable for its diverse and evocative
cultural associations and the facilities and amenities it offers for a wide range of activities,
all in a relatively compact area. The natural heritage of the Corridor is an important setting
and complement to its built heritage, and inspires and is closely associated with the living
arts.
Prominent natural features in this region are the Coastline, the Burren, Lough Derg, Galway
Bay, the River Shannon and the Corrib River. Galway Bay has an annual oyster festival, the
racing of the traditional Connemara ‘hooker’ boats in Kinvara and fishing on Lough Corrib.
The river Shannon’s attractions range from bird and dolphin watching in the estuary to
boating and angling in Lough Derg. The river Shannon is navigable for most of its length
and is connected via canals to Lough Erne and the Blackwater in Ulster. The Burren region
of county Clare is recognised internationally for its distinct karst landscape, its unique eco-
system and the evocative survival of national monuments and features from various
episodes of human history. The area has strong potential for further tourism related
development, a potential which in many areas, is largely underutilized. Sensitive
exploitation of these tourism assets in accordance with environmentally sustainable tourism
practices is essential.
1.3.5 Built Heritage

The architectural and built heritage within the Corridor is strongly defined and gives a
unique character to many of the settlements within the area. The medieval legacy in
Galway City, Athenry, and Ennis is well complemented by the strong Georgian and medieval
presence in Limerick City. Testimony to the quality of these attractive assets are the
number of Heritage Towns, Conservation Areas and the hundreds of Protected Structures
and National Monuments in total within the corridor from grand historical structures to
more prosaic vernacular architecture. This context makes for a varied and interesting and
high environment and contributes to the quality of life experienced within the corridor.

Section 1.4: Achieving a Quality Environment
1.4.1 A Quality Environment

A quality environment is a significant component of quality of life, and involves protecting
the built heritage in the urban area and the ecological designations elsewhere. The West of
Ireland is increasingly being marketed for its attractive and pleasing quality of life, and the
benefits of balanced work/ life opportunities. This applies both to urban and rural areas.
The cost of property is also an attractive element of life in the west, in addition to leisure
facilities and readily available natural amenity areas, the sea, the arts, music and language.
1.4.2 Environmental Qualities of the Corridor

The corridor’s environment has a rich natural, architectural and archaeological heritage, as
reflected in the extent of protective designations at national and European level. Sites and
species that are so designated under European Directives are protected. The effects of
recent economic growth and comprehensive national legislation have given national and
local authorities a new impetus to improve the record, protection and enhancement of
architectural and archaeological heritage. Conservation requires both strong protection and
pro-active management.
The establishment of the Burren Beo project which promoted sustainable farming practices
to preserve the unique limestone habits and associated flora from the encroachment of the
hazel scrub is an important European Union initiative in sustainable farming and in addition
to safeguarding a unique habitat could also prove to be an attraction and pilot project for
other areas in Europe. This example illustrates the importance of using positive incentives
and resources, in innovative and long term strategies, based on a comprehensive
assessment of individual landscapes. The entire Burren is a cSAC, and part of the Burren is
designated a National Park. The Shannon estuary is both a candidate Special Area of
Conservation and a Special Protection Area (SPA). The east of Galway Bay is designated a
SPA. Smaller sites of nature conservation interest exist throughout the corridor: including
blanket bogs, raised bogs, semi-natural woodlands, lakes, turloughs, rivers, estuaries and
coastal habitats. The pastoral landscape of much of the region has given rise to rich
network of hedgerows and unimproved pastures. Stone walls too, as occur over much of
South Galway, are an important wildlife habitat.
The Corridor has a rich architectural and archaeological heritage. This ranges from the
Neolithic legacy of megalithic tombs so famously associated with the Burren, to raths and
crannogs from the iron age. We are also left with an urban legacy in various castles, tower
houses, churches and monastic sites, and in the street patterns and structures in Galway,
Ennis, Killaloe, Athenry and Limerick City. The Georgian and Victorian periods are
responsible for some of the most distinctive and elegant of the architecture of our towns,
i.e. Newtown Pery in Limerick City.

There are many challenges facing the corridor in terms of environmental quality and
maintaining and protecting landscape quality and water quality (ground and surface water)
are increasing challenges to be addressed in the context of managing development within
the Corridor.

Section 1.5: Development Strategy and Implementation
Galway-Limerick/Shannon Corridor
1.5.1 Development Strategy

The key development strategy is that the Limerick/Shannon - Galway Atlantic Gateway
Corridor should be considered for policy development and implementation purposes as a
connected socio-economic entity but with each element having distinct character, individual
strengths and attractiveness. The combinations of these characteristics and defining
features will produce a synergy and a set of development opportunities that is greater than
the sum of the individual gateways and intervening areas. The challenge for spatial
strategies in the Limerick-Shannon/Galway Corridor is thus to provide the context for these
activities to flourish, including an attractive living environment, high quality leisure
resources, excellent transport links and competitive working conditions.
The Galway-Limerick/Shannon Corridor possesses all the desirable characteristics to meet

the requirements of the modern knowledge based industry which attracts develops and
retains social capital by the quality of life offered in both recreational and cultural terms.
Exploiting the Resources of the Gateways
• The Galway Gateway is a high value and high skills activity area. Galway has a good
infrastructure base, the right people and skills and quality of life assets that sets the
city apart. Galway has historically functioned on a regional basis and has the
capacity to act cohesively within the corridor. This in turn will maximise the benefits
it brings through good physical assets road, rail, telecoms, a high educational and
research base and will consequently allow for a good balance of development
throughout the corridor.
• Limerick City sits at the lowest crossing point on the Shannon and is bisected by the
River Shannon. Together with Shannon, Limerick is the "Gateway" to the Mid West
Region and is designated in the National Spatial Strategy as the locus of a strong
competitive economic node. Limerick comprises a focus of high-level services and
manufacturing which, combined with the university, represent a momentum for
growth. Shannon complements Limerick with its international airport, industrial zone
and town.
Development of key Settlements in the Corridor

make up the Corridor. From north to south, these are Tuam, Athenry, Gort, Ennis, Shannon

and Sixmilebridge. There are several other smaller scale settlements but their capacity for
growth to significant size is limited. By identifying a limited number of medium-sized
Corridor settlements as locations for focused investment and planned development it should
be possible to create the critical mass needed to support the rural populations between the
gateways and provide a range of lifestyle choices for newly formed households. The
Corridor can also provide the opportunity for mobile or rural based enterprises to locate in
serviced areas other than gateway city locations.
1.5.2 Key Development Issues

The Atlantic Gateway Corridor Frameworks provide an opportunity to create a
comprehensive plan-led approach to future infrastructural investment. A number of key
Corridor infrastructural developments are set out as follows:
• Delivery of the necessary road linkages, particularly the N6 / N7 / N17 / N18 and
N19 and which are key parts of Transport21;
• The development of commuter rail links into and between each Gateway, the
development of the Western Rail Corridor and enhancing public transport
accessibility to Shannon Airport including the reservation of a route for potential
future rail access,
• Public transport investment, particularly in areas with high volumes of commuter

traffic;
• Provision of the Galway City Outer Bypass (GCOB);
• Broadband provision;
• Improvements in water and wastewater services;
• Upgrading of Shannon and Galway Airports;
• Investment in Galway Harbour, Shannon Estuary Ports;
• City regeneration projects;
• The Limerick Northern Distributor Road in line with the Fitzgerald Report;

• Gateway Innovation Funding for Limerick and Galway; and
• Ardaun proposal in the Galway Gateway.

(1) The full implementation of the Galway Planning Land Use and Transportation
Strategy and Mid West Area Strategic Plan will be vital to the sustainable
development of the Gateways themselves and centred on:
• The development of compact new city urban extension proposals such as the
Galway City Eastern Environs (Ardaun) Strategy; and
• The Limerick City Northside and Southside Regeneration Strategies including

Town and Free Zone Masterplans
(2) The accelerated delivery of the Atlantic Road corridor and Western Rail corridor in
an integrated fashion including the development of road and public transport
interchanges within the Gateway cities and at key nodes such as Shannon Airport as
the primary international access point for the Corridor as well as Ennis, Athenry and
Gort and Sixmilebridge as an interchange point between the western rail corridor
and Shannon Airport by bus shuttle.
(3) The development of key settlements of Ennis, Shannon, Gort, Tuam, Athenry and
Sixmilebridge and management of urban sprawl through the densification of
town/settlement areas. Sustainable settlement patterns will reduce greenhouse
emissions.
(4) Careful management of development pressures at major transportation interchanges

such as those along the proposed Atlantic Corridor balancing the need to harness
the benefits of increased accessibility with the need to protect future capacity and
the state’s investment.
(5) The preparation of wider rural development strategies for the intervening rural areas
along the Limerick/Shannon – Galway Corridor. The key environmental objectives
are the conservation and prudent management of the natural beauty and heritage
of the more rural spaces between the gateways and key inter-gateway urban
centres so that a high quality urban and rural environment is presented to both
residents who live or come to want to live along the Corridor and to the investor
who is critical to driving the economy of the Corridor.
(6) The setting up of a Steering Group to follow the progress of the Key Development
Issues, as set out in section 1.5.2 above. This would act as an implementation
working group on the projects listed.
1.5.4 Next Steps

Implementation of this Corridor Framework will proceed through its consideration within the
review of the Regional Planning Guidelines for the West and the Mid-West, development
plan review processes at city, county and where relevant, local area plan level. In addition,
the wider strategies for economic social and cultural level carried out by the city and county
development boards represent another opportunity to translate this framework into the
statutory policy frameworks.

43
Section 2 - Limerick/Shannon-Cork Corridor
Atlantic Gateways Corridor Framework

This Section is a joint collaboration by the West and South-West Regional Authorities and
local authorities within the existing corridor, namely, Clare County Council, Limerick County
Council, Limerick City Council, Cork County Council and Cork City Council.
Map 2 Limerick/Shannon-Cork Corridor
2.1.1 Introduction
The Cork-Limerick Corridor is that area of the South West and Mid West Regions shown on
Map 2 above and located between the Cork and Limerick/Shannon Gateways, a distance by
road of approximately 100 kilometres. Apart from the cities of Cork and Limerick, the
second and third largest cities in the state respectively, the important urban settlements

within the corridor include Blarney, Mallow (Hub town), Buttevant, Charleville and the
proposed new settlement at Monard in County Cork, Croom and Patrickswell in County
Limerick.
The existing infrastructure base of the Cork – Limerick/Shannon corridor is already the
most highly developed of all the corridors and is distinctive in that it is the only corridor
with both rail and road connectivity. The corridor contains a modernised national route
(N20) with proposals currently at route selection stage to replace the N20 with a Motorway
(M20) from the Cork Northern Ring Road to the junction of the N20/N21 south of Limerick.
The Cork – Limerick rail route which serves Mallow and Limerick Junction, with connections
to the Dublin and Rosslare rail networks, offers 10 services per day. Furthermore, two bus
companies offer hourly bus services on the Cork to Limerick route.
Two international airports (Cork Airport and Shannon Airport) are located at either end of
the corridor, which both connect to a wide variety of destinations in the UK and mainland
Europe, with Shannon Airport also connecting to North America.
Whitegate oil refinery which provides both harbour and terminal facilities for the storage
and processing of strategic energy resources (oil and gas products) in Cork Harbour, is the
only refinery in the state.
The Limerick/Shannon-Cork Corridor contains very significant employment opportunities –

In excess of 180,000 jobs at various locations on the corridor. The detailed breakdown of
these employment figures in the corridor is illustrated in Table 1.
Table 1: Employment uses within the Limerick/Shannon-Cork Corridor1

Categories Number of JobsEstimated
Population 2006
Agriculture, forestry & fishing 1412
Manufacturing industries, mining, quarrying and 39,290
turf production, electricity, gas and water supply.
Construction 10,341
Commerce 54,023
Transport, storage and communications 11,810
Public administration & defence 10,274
Education, health & social work 37,785
Other 16,853
Not stated 707
Total 182,495
1 Source : POWCAR (Place of Work Census of Anonymised Records) Analysis from the 2006 Census.
The universities and third-level colleges of Cork and Limerick at either end of the corridor
are also recognised as centres of excellence in research and teaching that deliver the
highest calibre of graduates at all academic levels.
Regional Context
The Cork – Limerick Corridor traverses both the South West and Mid West Regions. Both
Regions, under the guidance of their Regional Authorities published Regional Planning
Guidelines in 2004. These Guidelines contain statements and analysis of key economic
objectives, together with a set of planning guidelines to be incorporated within the
development plans of the local authorities in the Regions.
Following the 2006 Census Results, the following table provides an indication of the
population increases 2002-2-6 for these Regional Authority areas.
Table 2: Regional Population 2002-2006
Region 2006 Increase % of increase

Population since 2002 due to net in-
migration
Mid West 360,651 21,060 52%
South West 620,525 40,169 60%
Total 981,176 61,229 -
Source: DoEHLG National Population Projections and Regional Population

Targets 2006-2020 February, 2007
Sub-Regional Context
Within the regional context there is a further layer of strategic planning guidance at sub
regional level. In Cork, the Cork Area Strategic Plan 2001 - 2020 was adopted by Cork City
Council and Cork County Council in October 2001. This plan was prepared as a joint
strategic policy guidance document addressing the future growth in population and
economic development of Cork and its sub-region area to 2020. For the remainder of the
County (West Cork and parts of North Cork) the North and West Cork Strategic Plan was
prepared in 2001 and covers the period 2002 - 2020.
In order to meet sustainable development and environmental objectives and facilitate public
transport and infrastructure provision, CASP proposes to rebalance population growth in the
City to give priority to locations close to the City and along the railway line linking Blarney,

Cork, Midleton and Cobh. The update of CASP which was completed in June 2008 adheres
to the original key goals for the City Region agreed in 2001 and includes a new economic
development strategy that will over the lifetime of the plan, deliver a major uplift in
economic growth and employment capable of sustaining the increased population now
being targeted at the CASP area. The update envisages that the number of jobs in the
CASP area will increase by over 45,000 to close to 216,000.
The CASP Update has identified a number of key economic development policies that
influence the County’s economic strategy, these are:-
• The need for strengthening the role of the City Centre (through regeneration of
brownfield lands),
• The focus of economic development along the suburban railway corridor between
Mallow, Blarney, Carrigtwohill and Midleton,
• The continued growth of the strategic employment areas of Kilbarry, Ringaskiddy,
Little Island, Airport Business Park and Whitegate,
• The identification of the need for an additional strategic employment centre in
Ballincollig and the need for a science park at Curraheen,
• The strengthening of all Ring Towns with particular emphasis on the development of
Mallow as a Hub Town.
For the remainder of the County (West Cork and parts of North Cork) the North and West
Cork Strategic Plan was prepared in 2001, to establish a strategy to address declining
trends in key demographic and economic sectors, covering the period 2002 – 2020. This
plan sets out sustainable proposals to optimise spatial development patterns, raise the
productive potential of the economy, improve access and communication, increase
infrastructure provision and resources and promote access to social, recreational and
cultural facilities.
The North and West Cork Strategic Plan has also identified the need to strengthen the
corridor between Mallow and Charleville in North Cork.

Figure 2.1 Cork Area Strategic Plan Diagram
In Limerick the Planning, Land Use and Transportation Study for the Greater Limerick Area
is a similar document which sets out the future strategy for transportation and land use in
the Greater Limerick Area.
Table 3: Sub - Regional Population

Sub Region Estimated Population 2006
CASP Area 377,596
Limerick Zone One Area 185,895
Total 563,491
2.1.2 Limerick/Shannon and Cork Gateways

Cork and Limerick/Shannon are the largest urban centres in the southwest and Midwest
regions respectively and are key drivers in terms of these regions social, economic and
cultural vitality. The Gateways sit within a wider spatial context of important cities and
towns that includes the linked NSS designated hub towns of Tralee-Killarney to the west,
Galway City to the north and Waterford City to the East.
The Cork Gateway is the largest urban area of the state outside of Dublin. The Core of this
area. The Cork Gateway, also known as ‘Metropolitan Cork’, includes Cork City and its
Environs together with the surrounding Metropolitan Towns of Ballincollig, Blarney,
Carrigaline, Carrigtwohill, Cobh, Glanmire, Midleton, Passage West, Tower and the proposed

new town at Monard. Development Plans relating to the gateway area include the Cork City
and County Development Plans, the Midleton, Carrigtwohill and Blarney-Kilbarry and Mallow
Special Local Area Plans 2005, as well as a number of Electoral Area Local Area Plans
(2005). In relation to the Docklands area a Local Area Plan for the North Docks Area was
adopted by the City Council in December 2005, while a Local Area Plan for the South Docks
Area was adopted in February 2008.
The Limerick and Shannon Gateway includes Patrickswell and Croom to the south of the
city. Relevant development plans include the Limerick City Development Plan 2004, the
Regeneration Plans for Limerick (Southside Vision Plan and Northside Vision Plan) and in
the County, the Limerick County Development Plan 2005, the Southern Environs Local Area
Plan (2005), and the Patrickswell Local Area Plan (2002). Table 3 overleaf indicates the
populations of the cities.
The Cork and Limerick Gateways and in particular the wider urban and rural areas within
the corridor, benefit from the location of Cork Airport as an economic driver to the southern
region. Cork Airport currently provides 8 daily return flights to Dublin and International
access to a wide range of flight destinations including Heathrow, Paris and Amsterdam.
Cork County Council is in the process of preparing a Special Local Area Plan for Cork Airport
which will address, in greater detail the particular land use requirements of the airport and
identify and secure land that may be required in the future to enhance the operational
capacity of the airport. In the medium to long term, it is projected that passenger numbers
could grow to over 15m by 2040. This projected increase in passenger numbers coupled
with the possible introduction of transatlantic flights, will necessitate the extension of the
main runway in the future.
Shannon Airport is the second largest airport in Ireland and is developing into a significant
and competitive hub for the region. It provides international access to the region, including
from the US and the UK (Heathrow), and is the key feature of the regions transport
infrastructure.
Table 4: City Population 2002-2006

City 2006 Census % Increase since 2002
Population
Cork City 190,384* 2.2

Limerick City 90,757* 4.3
Total 281,141 -
*These figures are taken from Table 7 of the 2006 Census and are the total
population figures (including suburbs or environs of each settlement)
2.1.3 Mallow Hub
The NSS designated Mallow as a Hub town because of its scale, capacity for growth, its
potential role in energising a wider rural hinterland and its strategic location approximately
30 kilometres north of Cork City, on the N20 national route and Cork-Dublin intercity rail
line. Mallow occupies a strategic spatial position at the meeting point of the Cork – Limerick
and Tralee Waterford / Rosslare National road and rail routes. The National Spatial Strategy
states that Mallow’s location outside the suburbs of Cork in addition to its function as a hub
will strengthen Cork – Limerick interaction and energise its own catchments within North
Cork, an area undergoing structural economic change driven in response to falling farm
based employment.Mallow is an important market and service centre, with a good
population base with significant employment concentrated in engineering and food
processing and public transport links to Cork. In 2007 Cork County Council and Mallow
Town Council adopted a joint, Special Local Area Plan setting out the future population and
land-use requirements for the town up to 2020 and beyond. In the longer term, beyond
2020, the SLAP identifies the capacity for Mallow to achieve a population of about 30,000.
This target figure is within the range of population identified for hub towns in the NSS. The
SLAP suggests that by the year 2020, the population of Mallow will be targeted to reach
over 20,000 Table 4 illustrates Mallow’s current and projected populations.
Table 5: Mallow Hub Town PopulationTable 3: City Population 2002-2006
2006 Census % Change in total

Population Population
2002-2006
2006 Census Mallow 10,241* 14.6
SLAP projection 30,000 -
*This figure is taken from Table 7 of the 2006 Census and are the total

There are other towns of significance between of the Cork and Limerick Gateways. These
towns are Blarney, ,(Monard), Charleville and Buttevant in County Cork and Croom in
County Limerick. In addition, a new town served by the Cork Suburban Rail Network is
planned at Monard, north of Cork. The planned proposals in Blarney and Monard are
regarded as significant proposals in the CASP strategy of rebalancing demographics in the
City.

Blarney
Blarney is located on the main intercity railway line has a modest population. However,
following the publication of the Blarney-Kilbarry Special Local Area Plan 2005 , permission
has been granted for the 1st Phase of a 2,500 dwelling development, adjoining the
proposed suburban rail station, offering the opportunity for more sustainable travel patterns
to a significant population.
Monard
Monard new town, which is also identified in that Special Local Area Plan, has a planned
growth of about 5,000 units yielding a potential population of about 12,500 people. Monard
which is identified in CASP as part of a major growth corridor will also have a rail station on
the Cork Suburban Rail Network. An application has been recently made to the Department
of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to seek a Strategic Development Zone
designation for the Monard site.
Charleville
Charleville, adjacent to the County Limerick border, is strategically located on the N20
(proposed M20) and linked to Cork, Mallow, Limerick and Dublin by serviced by the
mainline rail Charleville . It acts as a growth and development centre for its rural
hinterland, with the service and food employment base providing a stable economic
foundation. The town which is strategically located midway from Cork to Limerick, is apart
from the Gateways and Hub towns one of the most sustainable settlements, with the
POWCAR analysis indicating that in excess of 1,300 jobs are located within the Charleville
DED2.
Buttevant
Buttevant is also on the N20 (linked to the proposed M20) between Mallow and Charleville
and is both a service and employment provider. with the POWCAR analysis indicating in
excess of 400 jobs located within Buttervant DED (this area covers Buttevant town,
Newtwopothouse and an extensive rural hinterland)3. In this regard, POWCAR research has
indicated that the two largest categories of employment within this DED are Industry and
Commerce. The relevant planning policy for these settlements is contained in both the
County Development Plan 2003 and the Mallow and Kanturk Electoral Area Local Area Plans
2005. For some years, the development of Buttevant has been constrained due to issues
with wastewater treatment. However, these issues have recently been resolved with the
completion of a wastewater treatment plant for the town. The railway station in Buttevant
is not currently in use, but in the future, consideration could be given to the re-opening the
station as part of the Cork – Limerick / Shannon corridor.
Croom
Croom is positioned just off the N20, providing a wide range of services and acting as an
important regional employment function within its surrounding catchment area. The
relevant development plan for Croom is both the Limerick County Development Plan
(2005-2011) and the Croom Local Area Plan (2003).
The population for each of these settlements as defined in the 2006 Census is outlined in
the following table.
Table 6: County Towns Population 2002-2006
Region 2006 Population % Increase since 2002
Croom 1,045* -1.0

Charleville 2,984* 11.1
Buttevant 914** -7.4
Blarney 2,400* 11.8
Total 7,343 -
* These figures are taken from Table 7 of the 2006 Census and are the total
** This figure is taken from Table 12 of the 2006 Census

Rural areas between the Gateways of Cork and Limerick/Shannon are experiencing
differing development issues and development patterns. Villages and rural areas close to
the Gateways and the main commuter routes are frequently experiencing very significant
pressures for development, including urban generated housing, while remoter rural areas
are experiencing the impacts of a restructuring of the rural economy away from a
dependence on agriculture . Although there has been new development in settlements in
rural areas, falling average household size has resulted, in some cases, in a reduction in
the overall populationand this on occasion has resulted in the decline in population of
smaller rural villages and their surrounding countryside. A key issue for rural areas along
the Cork-Limerick/Shannon corridor is how to complement and harness the critical mass of
the gateways through both plan led and focused growth in the environs of the cities and
the development of a distinctive, high quality and well diversified economic base in rural
areas inclusive of the agri-enterprise, tourism, small and medium enterprise sectors.
2.1.6 Overall Population of the Corridor

The overall population of the South West and Mid West regions was 981,176 persons in
2006 and the cities and their commuter catchments (CASP and Limerick Zone 1 Area)
563,491 persons in 2006. The population of the built up areas of Cork and Limerick cities
and Mallow hub town was 2910,38263 persons. Table 6 below shows the cumulative
populations of the built up and rural areas along the corridor. In overall terms, the Cork-
Limerick/Shannon corridor is one of the larger metropolitan corridors on the island of
Ireland.
Table 7: Population Summary Table
Gateway Cities 2006 Census % Increase since 2002

Population
Cork 190,384 2.2
Limerick 90,757 4.3
NSS Hub Town
Mallow 10,241 14.6
Other Towns
Blarney 2,400 11.8
Charleville 2,984 11.1
Buttevant 914 -7.4
Croom 1,045 -1.0
Total Population 298,725 -
2.1.7 Existing Development Plans

The statutory City and County Development Plans have specific planning and development
policies and objectives set out in their respective functional areas within the Corridor,
focusing on the proper planning and sustainable development of their areas.
Existing Strategies, Plans & Policies in the Limerick / Shannon - Cork Corridor
1. National Spatial Strategy 2002 – 2020

2. National Development Plan 2007-2013
3. South - West Regional Planning Guidelines 2004
4. Mid-West Regional Planning Guidelines 2004
5. The Cork County Development Plan 2009 - 2015
6. Cork City Development Plan 2004 – 2010
7. Mallow Electoral Area Local Area Plan
8. Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan
9. Kanturk Electoral Area Local Area Plan
10. Carrigaline Electoral Area local Area Plan
11. Mallow Special Local Area Plan
12. Cork Area Strategic Plan 2001 – 2020 (As updated 2008)
13. Draft Cork Area Strategic Plan update 2008
14. Cork Docklands Development Strategy 2001
15. Cork Docklands Economic Study 2007
16. South Docks Local Area Plan 2008
17. North Docks Local Area Plan 2005
18. North and West Cork Strategic Plan 2002 – 2020
19. Cork County Development Board Strategy 2002-2011
* Include plans / strategies relevant to the Limerick / Shannon Area.

The growth of the Gateways, the areas surrounding and between the gateways and the
ongoing roll-out of infrastructural investment under the NDP 2007-2013 presents a unique
opportunity to create and plan infrastructural investment led development rather than the
other way around. The existing transport and infrastructure development between Limerick
/ Shannon and Cork are the most highly developed of all the corridors. This corridor has
the potential to become the core corridor within the Atlantic Gateways Initiative, in terms of
a base population, infrastructure provision and access to labour markets. The forthcoming
design of the N20 Cork-Limerick/Shannon road, to motorway dual carriageway standard,
ongoing investment in rail connectivity between these two Gateways and the existing local
planning process presents the opportunity to integrate national strategic infrastructure
planning and local planning for sustainable long term growth. Rural areas can play an
important role in this planning process as well by playing to their strengths and
complementing the development of the Gateways. The rural areas provide a distinctive
setting for the corridor as a whole. Enhanced transport linkages, strengthen opportunities
for diversification into Tourism & Leisure. Smaller settlements offer the opportunity for a
more sustainable option for a rural lifestyle. Population growth in the villages would also
strengthen the services base.
Long term planning for physical and social infrastructure needs to take account of local
spatial planning considerations such as the need to provide for access to strategic locations
such as Hub towns and other locations in road investments, tied in with access to public
transport nodes and close to the existing built up areas to provide for compact sustainable
urban development. The key development issues for the corridor are therefore:
(1) To ensure the continued roll-out of the infrastructural investment such as the
Atlantic Corridor;

(2) To implement the frameworks at Gateway level for their orderly and sustainable
development and;
(3) To deliver focused and plan led development at suitable locations between the
Gateways complemented by the promotion of a diversified and vibrant rural
economy based on the economic strengths of rural areas. and;
(4) To build on the current transport infrastructure base and deliver a corridor where
the effects of distance on competitiveness, sustainability and environment are
minimised.

Limerick/Shannon-Cork Corridor
The prospects for growth of the corridor are very strong at regional, sub regional and local
levels. The tables below set out the details in overall terms.
2.2.1 Regional Context

The following table sets out the 2006 Census figure for the region, the figure included the
relevant RPG (to 2020) as revised by updated DEHLG 2007 figures.
Table 7: Regional PopulationTable 3: City Population 2002-2006
Region 2006 Population RPG 2020 (Revised

after 2007 DEHLG
estimates)
Mid-West Region 360,651 451,764
South-West Region 620,525 784,354

Total 981,176 1,236,118
2.2.2 Sub- Regional Context

Following on from this at a sub-regional level, the following table aims to represent the
projected population targets for both the CASP area in Cork and the Zone One area in
Limerick.
Table 8: Sub - Regional Population
Sub Region Estimated Population Estimated Population

(Current) (Target to 2020)
4
CASP Area 377,596 488,000
5
Limerick Zone One Area 185,895 220,544
Total 563,491 708,544
2.2.3 Employment Land Availability

The availability of land for business and industry within the corridor is based on lands
zoned new commercial, new industrial, new town centre and new special use. The business
land availability figures for the settlements of Blarney, Mallow, Buttevant and Charleville in
the Cork – Limerick / Shannon corridor are detailed in the following table.
4 Source: Cork County Council (County Figures taken from the Draft County Development Plan 2007)
5 Source: Limerick City Zone One Committee Presentation (2006)
Settlement Land Available (ha)
Charleville 81
Buttevant 23
Mallow 29
Blarney 14
Total Figure 147 ha6
2.2.4 Housing Land Use Availability

The land use availability is based on the undeveloped residentially zoned lands of
settlements within the Limerick / Shannon – Cork Corridor. These land use figures are
detailed in the Following Tables (Tables 10 - 12). The estimated number of units available
on zoned lands in Metropolitan Cork (excluding town Council areas) is 41,250. The
estimated number of units on residential land within the corridor (excluding Metropolitan
Cork) is almost 10,000.
6 Source : Cork County Council, Business Land Availability Preliminary Report, 2006.

Table 10. Undeveloped Residential lands and units in Cork city
R Residential 175,8ha 12,284 Units
Total Figure 175,8ha 12,2847
Table 11. Undeveloped Residential units on zoned land in Metropolitan Cork

(Excluding town councils and City Council)
Zoning Estimated number of units on
remainder of zoned land8
Residential 28,966 Units
Total Figure 28,966
Table 12. Undeveloped Residential units on zoned land in the corridor (Co.
Cork- excluding Metropolitan Cork)
Settlement Estimated number of units on
remainder of zoned land9
Ballyhea 186
Charleville 1,124
Newtownshandrum 160
Ballyclough 93
Buttevant 296
Churchtown 58
Doneraile 395
Dromahane 247
Mallow SLAP (2009 Figure) 7,16210
Total 9,907 units
7 Based on the Housing Land Availability Returns (Cork City Council) assuming a density of 70 units per ha.
This is an approximate figure not including areas of land less that 0.1ha or where applications for 4 units or
less were made.
8 Source : Cork County Council – Housing Land Availability Study, 2006.
9 Source : Cork County Council – Housing Land Availability Study, 2006.
10 Source : Cork County Council – Draft Housing Land Availability Study, 2008.

2.2.5 Key Infrastructural Interventions
The National Development Plan 2007-2013 has identified the enhancement of road links to
other Gateways along the Atlantic Road Corridor as a key development and investment
priority for both the Cork and Limerick - Shannon Gateways.
Key investment in the road network within the corridor include Phase II of the Limerick
Southern Ring Road (N7 Limerick Tunnel) which is due for completion in 2010 and the
proposed M20 Cork to Limerick Motorway scheme.
The NDP also recognised the substantial need for upgrading of the public transport
infrastructure. In particular, the plan will focus on bus-based solutions and investment in
the Cork suburban rail network and the Western Rail Corridor. Details of major planned and
specific infrastructure projects are listed below.
List of Key Infrastructural Developments & Significant investment
1. M20;
2. N7 Limerick Underground Tunnel (Phase II – under construction) and the Limerick

Northern Ring Road connecting the N18 & N7;
3. N22 Cork Northern Ring Road;
4. Cork Suburban Rail Network;
5. Completion of the Western Rail Corridor (Cork to Galway Rail Link);

6. Water Services Investment Program;
7. Docklands Development - Cork City;
8. The enhancement of the Atlantic Road Corridor, including links to other Gateways
(i.e Cork - Waterford);
9. Third level Education expansion; Second level education expansion;
10. Quality bus corridors and park and ride provision;
11. Improved road and bus-based public transport links to Cork Airport;
12. Completion of road and public transport aspects of Transport 21;
13. The development, as part of the CASP Strategy of an integrated public transport
system built around the Green Route programme of improved bus priority, the re-
opening of the Cork City-Midleton rail service by 2008 and the development of
commuter rail services on the Mallow-Midleton corridor;
14. Introduction of hourly rail services on the Cork-Dublin route;
15. Roads, water services, port relocation and associated infrastructure to facilitate
docklands regeneration;
16. Enhancement of road links to other Gateways along the Atlantic Road Corridor;
17. The upgrading of N28 road access to Ringaskiddy Port and its associated industrial
zone;
18. Pedestrianisation and similar urban renewal activity, building on recent progress in
this area;
19. Enhancement of tourism, cultural and recreational facilities;
20. Lands at Ringaskiddy and Carrigtwohill to be developed by IDA Ireland as part of its
Strategic Sites Initiative;
21. Continued development of Cork City’s Research & Development capacity such as the
Tyndall Institute;
22. The future development of Cork Airport to include a planned runway extension to
accommodate proposed transatlantic flights and increased passenger numbers;
23. Improvement of road access and public transport links to Shannon Airport;
24. The upgrading of the Limerick-Ennis rail line, reopening of commuter rail stops, and
additional frequency of commuter rail services;
25. The completion of the Shannon Limerick Rail Study for a new rail link between
Shannon and Limerick;
26. Water Services investment programmes;
27. Shannon Airport is the second largest airport in Ireland and is developing into a
significant hub. It provides international access to the region, including from the US,
and is the key feature of the area’s transport infrastructure.
28. Significant upgrading of the public areas and streets in Limerick city centre and re-
imaging of Limerick through a major urban renewal initiative;
29. Implementation of the cultural, recreational and public amenity strategy for Limerick
and its wider environs;
30. Strengthening of R&D capacity in the Limerick’s City’s third-level institutions;
31. Implementation of a shared innovation strategy between education providers and

the enterprise sector to strengthen Limerick’s City’s third level and enterprise sector;
32. The delivery of critical physical infrastructure such as water services and local access
roads in a co-ordinated manner to enable accelerated delivery of housing and the
renewal of Limerick docklands areas; and Development of leisure and technology
parks and strategic sites.
33. The provision of a non-hazardous waste landfill facility, which has been identified for
a site in Bottlehill to the north of Cork City, in accordance with the Cork County
Waste Management Plan 2004.
2.2.6 The Gateways

The strategy for Cork City as set out in CASP is to further consolidate and accelerate its role
as the heart of a thriving city region especially through the redevelopment of brownfield
land in the Docklands, and the CASP rail based settlements and the ring towns in the
county and all within an effective sustainable transportation grid. The strategy will else
where, redefine Metropolitan Cork as a more unified economic and development entity
having a single jobs and property market situated within an integrated transport system
that will maintain and enhance the social, cultural and educational facilities of Cork as a
modern European city.
One of the key challenges for the Cork Gateway relates to the provision of an enhanced
public transport system to address future capacity requirements, in particular at the Jack
Lynch Tunnel and Dunkettle Interchange.
Key elements of the overall strategy for Cork City include:
1. Development of the Docklands and associated physical infrastructural elements (new

bridges connecting north and south docks etc).
2. Provision of a Rapid Transport Corridor link with Cork City Centre, Mahon, western
suburbs with possible westward extension to Ballincollig and a 2nd corridor linking
Cork Airport with the City Centre.
3. Future development of Cork Airport to include possible extension to the main
runway to accommodate transatlantic flights and increased passenger numbers.
4. Northern Ring Road (Phase 1) to the N8.
5. Completion of the Cork Suburban Rail Network.
6. Upgrading and development of Kent Railway Station in Cork City.
The Cork Gateway is expected to absorb a significant population and jobs growth over the
next 20 years. It has a projected population of 488,000 taking account of the higher target
figures proposed for the region under the NSS in 2007.
The strategy for Limerick as set out in the LUTS and other planning strategies such as the
City Centre Strategy and Northside/Southside Regeneration Strategies is to strengthen the
gateway as a thriving heart for the region and through a new development focus along the
riverside and city centre areas in Limerick City, focused growth in key regional settlements
such as Shannon, the Hub town of Ennis and plan led regeneration and consolidation of the
city and its environs in Limerick County.
It is estimated that the Limerick/Shannon Gateway will grow to a population of 220,544 by

2020.

Table 9: Sub - Regional Population Target
Gateways and Hubs 2006 Revised RPG Population

Population 2020 target increase
2006-2020
Cork Gateway (CASP) 377,596 488,000 110,464
Limerick/Shannon Gateway (RPG 185,895 220,544 34,649

Zone 1)
Total 563,491 708,544 145,113
2.2.7 The Mallow Hub

Mallow will continue to grow substantially, and is very well placed to fully deliver its
assigned role as a centre for regional growth. It is an objective through the Mallow Special
Local Area Plan (SLAP), to secure mixed use development proposals and associated
upgrading of infrastructure to address the following:
i. Water and wastewater provision.

ii. Traffic and transportation within the town (Traffic and Transportation Study) to
include a possible new river crossing.
iii. Schools to meet requirements of a rising population.
iv. Provision of enhanced third level opportunities.
v. Investment in acute healthcare (Mallow Hospital).
vi. Sports and recreational provision.
including national and other roads, provision of schools and sports and recreation facilities.
A large range of employment sites have also been identified in the SLAP and part of the
redevelopment of the Greencore site at Mallow West will create a unique economic initiative
for the town. The Special Local Area Plan sets out a new target population figure for the
town of between 20,000 and 30,000 people taking the proposed figures outlined for a Hub
town in the National Spatial Strategy.

It will be important to promote Charleville as a node on the Atlantic Gateways Corridor, as
it is a provider of employment, commercial and industrial services for its surrounding rural
hinterland. In Buttevant proposals should seek to reverse recent declining population trends
so that its population base and employment capacity will be strengthened in the future.
Future consideration could be given to re-opening Buttevant railway station, currently not in
use. The existing servicing constraints in Croom will limit the extent of future development
and so challenges are to consolidate the town as an attractive place to live and work. All

three towns should benefit from current NRA medium/long term proposals to upgrade the
N20 towards motorway standard. Population projection figures are included in the table
below.
Table 10: Current and Projected County Town Populations
County Towns 2006 RPG 2020 Revised 2020 Population

Population Target increase
2006-2020
Blarney 2,400 6,488 7,537 4,088
Monard 0 4,469 7,788 4,469
ChaCharleville 2,984 3,062 4,925 1,941

Buttevant 914 938 1,501 587
Croom11 1,045 - 1,977 932

Rural areas between the Gateways have much to contribute to the implementation of the
Atlantic Gateways concept. A plan led approach to building up the village structure within
the corridor in a careful and considered way will ensure balanced and economically self-
sustaining growth and economic provision of services. Essentially, a balance needs to be
struck that on the one hand seeks to accommodate large scale development within the
central urban parts of the Gateways while encouraging more locally scaled development in
surrounding villages. Furthermore, the careful management of countryside areas and their
natural and built heritage and landscapes are a key part of establishing an attractive
context for the Gateway, essential to their international competitiveness.
Planning at the local level needs to fully implement the Planning Guidelines for Sustainable
Rural Housing, protecting rural areas from inappropriately located development and
overdevelopment of rural areas by individual dwellings thereby ensuring that local
communities can meet their housing requirements while the amenities and character of
rural areas is carefully conserved. Conservation of the character of the smaller villages is
especially important in this regard, whilst allowing for planned expansion into the future.
Various Local Plan designations, such as green belts, rural housing control zones and
objectives relating to the built and natural environment and amenity areas seek to ensure
future sustainable development in the corridor outside of the Gateways and main towns.
11 Mid West RPG did not have a population projection for Croom – this projection is from the Croom LAP, 2003

Section 2.3: Strategic Development Opportunities
2.3.1 Introduction
A key driver of the proposed polycentric plan will be the reduction of travel time between
the two Gateways. This section will provide a summary of the key transport infrastructure
and communications planned over the forthcoming 10 or more years, and provide an
overview as to how these will alter the connectivity between the Gateways and within the
corridor.
The availability of highly skilled and educated people is one of the primary drivers of
economic development within the region. The universities and third-level colleges of Cork
and Limerick at either end of the corridor are recognised as centres of excellence in
research and teaching that deliver the highest calibre of graduates at all academic levels,
offering a basis for the development of knowledge based industries. The Limerick/Shannon
- Cork corridor offers strong potential to deliver the social capital and physical infrastructure
required to drive overall regional development. The productivity levels of the south-west
region (as measured by GVA per worker) are the highest in the state. The south-west is
also the only region in the country, where output from the manufacturing / industrial sector
exceeds the value of output from the services (including public) sector.
The South-West Region has one of the lowest levels of early school leavers in the Country.
University College Cork (UCC) has a student population of approximately 16,000, including
almost 3,000 postgraguate students. 2,800 people work at UCC which includes more than
800 faculties. The University offers over 120 degree and professional programmes in some
60 departments. In addition, UCC has attracted more research funding than any other
institution in the state. Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) has in the region of 12,000
registered students and 1,237 academic staff. Of the 12,000 registered students, 6,000 are
full-time and the remaining are part-time. The institute has four principal departments
(Science, Business and Humanities, Art and Music and Engineering) offering a wide range
of courses. Since 2005, CIT has the authority to award up to PhD level, which has added to
its standing and reputation among 3rd level institutions.
Cork County has attracted the largest share of the nation’s economic growth outside of
Dublin. Major employers within the Cork region include Pfizer’s, EMC and Apple. The region
benefits from a strong supply of land with primary locations for large-scale manufacturing
industry planned and developed at Ringaskiddy, Little Island, Carrigtwohill and Kilbarry
(which is located in the Cork City North Environs) which are designated as strategic
employment centres in the 2009 Cork County Development plan. Other Major employment
centres within Metropolitan Cork are the specialised centres located at Whitegate and Cork

Airport Business Park. The table below outlines the number of actual jobs in the major
employment centres in the Cork County Metroplitan Strategic Planning Area and the
projected growth up to 2020. Significant employment is also projected to arise from the
proposed Science, Technology and Innovation Park at Curraheen. The table also shows the
balance in the number of jobs which will be distributed between the other main towns and
other locations in County Metropolitan Strategic Planning Area .
Table 11. Future Employment Growth in Cork county Metropolitan Strategic

Planning Area
Area 2006 - Number 2020 - Growth in Jobs
of Jobs Projected
Number of Jobs
Ringaskiddy and Carrigaline 7,816 10,316 2,500
Kilbarry (part of) 2,552 4,302 1,750
Ballincollig 8,686 12,800 4,114
Little Island and Carrigtwohill 12,760 14,934 2,174
Airport 2,232 3,232 1,000
Whitegate 743 2,743 2,000
Total 34,789 48,327 13,538
Main Town and Other Locations 26,668 33,726 7,058
Total 61,457 82,053 20,596
In association with its role as a Hub Town, Mallow has been designated as an Integrated
Employment Centre, where additional jobs and houses can be provided to sustain the
estimated population levels anticipated for this town on the Atlantic Corridor. The 2009 Cork
County Development plan has also designated Charleville and Buttevant as District
Employment Centres within the Atlantic Corridor. In addition, significant employment
opportunities are also projected from the proposed Science Innovation and Technology park
at Curraheen, at the western edge of Cork City.
The Shannon Free Zone comprises the largest single concentration of industrial and
international service activity on the Corridor, with approximately 7,000 people working in
over 100 companies, including many multi-national firms. The National Technology Park,
beside the University of Limerick, is Ireland’s first technology park with a balanced mix of
12 Source: Cork County Development plan 2009-2015.

multi-national subsidiaries and Irish technology companies. Raheen Business Park, beside
Limerick City, has industry concentrations in computers, electronics, food and metal
products.
In addition to the enterprise / industrial sectors, the Limerick / Shannon – Cork Corridor
has well established internationally renowned strengths in Tourism. The area serves as a
gateway to main tourism destinations, for example West Cork and the Burren in Co Clare
and urban tourism destinations such as Cork City and Limerick. Cork and Shannon Airport’s
both serve as major international gateways to the Tourism industry within the corridor and
wider region.
2.3.2 Roads and Associated Infrastructure

At present the journey time by road between the two Gateways is approximately 2 hours,
and it is anticipated that with the completion of the Atlantic Road corridor and fast public
transport links between the gateways, whether by rail or bus, this could be reduced to
around 1 hour. Such reduction in transit time between the gateways is fundamental to the
concept of Atlantic Gateways and dynamic metropolitan corridors within the overall Atlantic
Gateway area. A key infrastructural requirement in this regard is the delivery of a new N20
(M2)) Cork-Limerick Motorway. The NDP 2007-2013 and Transport 21 has designated the
Cork/Limerick N20 as part of the Atlantic Corridor. In tandem with the N20, upgrade works
including the N72 Mallow Northern Relief Road and the N22 Cork Northern Ring Road is
proposed to complete the ring of Cork City and the N28 National Primary Road. The N28
which links Cork City to Ringaskiddy will be vital in connecting the Atlantic Corridor into a
much wider economic hinterland encompassing the environs of the gateway cities. Good
progress is being made in the delivery of critical starting points for the Limerick/Shannon –
Cork section of the Atlantic Road Corridor with the construction of the tunnel crossing
under the Shannon which will connect the N18 dual carriageway from Limerick to Shannon
to the N7 dual carriageway bypass of Limerick City and the future M20 Motorway to Cork.
2.3.3 Bus and Rail Services

Development in public transport will be of key importance in the sustainable development
of the overall corridor. Rail connections between Limerick and Cork are currently indirect
requiring transfers between services. Intercity bus links on the future Atlantic Road corridor
may perform well. In order to determine the most appropriate forms of public transport
along the corridor, a further feasibility study on the performance, costs and benefits of the
various options (bus, upgraded existing rail, new rail infrastructure) should be undertaken.
Public expressway bus services and rail services can provide public transport directly
between the Gateways and along the corridor, whereas local, commuter and rural bus
services, green routes and park and ride facilities can all contribute to sustainable public
transport provision. In addition private bus services can also provide a valuable service.
In the longer term there is potential for re-instating the direct Cork-Limerick rail linkages,
which could be achieved initially by using existing routes but ultimately through the
rebuilding of a line from Charleville to Patrickswell. It is therefore recommended that as
part of the implementation of this framework, Cork and Limerick County Councils together
with the relevant regional authorities, the Department of Transport and Irish Rail
commission a scoping study to examine possible public transport options including potential
rail corridor routes and that a planning reservation be made in both county development
plans and or Local Area Plans to afford protection of any future potential re-instatement of
a direct Cork-Limerick rail link.
In relation to bus services, there are regular hourly public expressway services between the
Gateways, which stop at Mallow and Charleville, with request stops at Buttevant. There are
also a number of private coach hire companies located within the corridor, which can
provide transport to and from airports, scheduled services, as well as recreational / leisure
related services. It is envisaged that quality bus corridors will continue to be provided along
with park and ride facilities at the N7 and N20 (M20).
2.3.4 Ports and Airports

Two international airports are located within the corridor, Cork Airport within the Cork
Gateway and Shannon Airport within the Limerick/Shannon Gateway. Both connect to a
wide variety of destinations in the UK and mainland Europe, with Shannon Airport also
connecting to the USA.
In Cork, passenger traffic was over 3 million in 2006. Although the new terminal facility has
the capacity to expand to take up to 5 million passengers a year, in the short term a
number of aviation requirements are considered necessary including overnight stands,
further cargo and general aviation facilities. In order to enhance the airport’s competitive
position and meet the likely demand for long haul destinations in the future, consideration
will need to be given to extending the main runway. These issues will be addressed in the
forthcoming Special Local Area Plan for Cork Airport.
Shannon Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in Europe. In 2006, over 3.6 million
passengers passed through the airport - an increase of 10% on the previous year.
Therefore, the combined passenger numbers for both Airports in 2006 was over 6.5 million.
These Airports act as important gateways for the regions to which they belong and
connectivity (road, rail and public transport) continues to be a critical factor in the growth
and development of these areas and their hinterlands.
The Limerick-Shannon and Cork Gateways are also served by excellent port facilities, which
play a vital role in connecting the corridor internationally. These ports will need to be
effectively integrated into the long-term transport infrastructure plans in relation to road
and rail investment.
2.3.5 Other Infrastructure
The Gateways
The Cork and Limerick/Shannon Gateways will benefit from significant investment in new
infrastructure over forthcoming years. There will be investment in the urban fabric of the
city centre and docklands areas, realising significant opportunities for brownfield
development and commercial and residential opportunities. The regeneration of public
housing areas will be especially important for both cities, especially Limerick which will
need to be supported by ongoing investment in education, water services, local access and
cultural facilities.
Towns
In Mallow investment in water services and the proposed flood relief schemes will be vital
to releasing the potential of this important hub town.
Charleville has a water supply and sewerage scheme with adequate capacities to serve
envisaged development and population increases. Buttevant has good access to water
supply and recently benefited from the completion of a new waste water treatment plant.
Existing water supply for Croom is at full capacity however plans are underway to extend a
trunk main from Limerick City. There are also investigations underway with regard to
extending the town’s sewage treatment plant to accommodate an increase in population.
Communications
In relation to communications, the Government’s National Broadband Strategy aims to
develop the broadband infrastructure and services to support the transition of the Irish
economy to one based on the production and the application of knowledge. Both Gateways
and many intervening towns and rural areas have broadband access, with the former
County and Group Broadband schemes promoting the roll-out of broadband to smaller
towns and rural communities.
Energy
The Governments White Paper entitled ‘Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland’
requires that, by 2020, 33% of electricity consumption will come from renewable resources.
In order to achieve this target, a stronger approach will be required in relation to the
exploitation of renewable energy resources in the future. The corridor has the potential to
contribute to the development of alternative energy sources, in particular wind energy,
which offers significant opportunities for North Cork. Furthermore, the government have
recently published a ‘Consultation paper on proposed planning exemptions for certain
renewable energy technologies’ in Oct 2007. This will offer the significant numbers of large
industries within the corridor opportunities to generate energy from renewable sources by
providing specific exemptions for certain renewable technologies. Within Cork Harbour,
Whitegate crude oil refinery, which is the only refinery in the state, provides facilities for
the storage and processing of oil and gas energy resources. Both Cork Harbour and the
Shannon Estuary have the capacity to provide locations for strategic reserves of oil, which
would satisfy the holding of national strategic oil stock levels by the National Oil Reserve
Agency (NORA).

Section 2.4: Achieving a Quality Environment
2.4.1 Introduction
The international attractiveness and draw of the gateways will be increasingly determined
by the quality of their built environments and their wider natural setting. Therefore
environmental protection and enhancement must play a key role within the overall
development of the corridor. In particular it is essential that the natural and built
environment and cultural heritage of the areas between the gateways such as river valleys
like that of the Blackwater, uplands like the Ballyhoura mountains and the rolling pastoral
landscape of the Golden Vale as well as the Cork and Shannon estuaries be protected and
enhanced where possible.
2.4.2 Limerick/Shannon and Cork Gateways

Cork City contains 112 protected monuments, 1,125 protected structures, as well as 3
Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA). A range of sites within the Cork City area are
protected through national or EU legislation, Special Protection Areas (SPAs), candidate
Special Areas of Conservation (cSAC) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas. These are the
River Lee, Cork Lough, parts of Lough Mahon, Douglas Estuary and Cork Harbour. In
addition there are approximately 607 ha of important public open spaces within the city as
well as a number of existing and proposed amenity walks and cycleways.
The Metropolitan Cork Green Belt designation surrounds Cork City and includes Blarney /
Monard. Its aim is to prevent urban sprawl, encourage agricultural or other open space /
recreational uses and restrict linear roadside development. Beyond the greenbelt is the
rural housing control zone, which seeks to control development pressures for large numbers
of commuter generated housing in the countryside. There are numerous NHAs, scenic
routes, scenic landscapes, and protected structures within the Blarney area.
Limerick City Centre has a unique character deriving from its Georgian Architecture and grid
street pattern. More than 500 buildings in the city centre are listed in the National
Inventory of Architectural Heritage. In addition, Limerick City has more that 12% of its
area, approximately 200 ha, subject to SPAs, cSACs, or NHAs. Of particular interest is
Lough Gur, a small horseshoe-shaped lake nestled among limestone hills in south-eastern
Limerick. Over 30 ancient sites and monuments can be found around its shores today,
ranging in date from Neolithic to Medieval times, and many more may originally have been
present.
Overlapping with these designations, a large proportion of land, approximately 400 ha, is
zoned for Open Space, much of which is under active development by the City Council. The

recently completed NIAH survey has identified more than 700 buildings of National and
Regional importance in Limerick with more than 500 located in the City Centre ACA.
2.4.3 Mallow Hub

Mallow is strategically located within the Blackwater Valley, which is designated as a
proposed National Heritage Area (pNHA-0072- Blackwater River and Estuary). This area is
also designated as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC-2170 – Blackwater River
Cork - Waterford). It is located within and adjacent to Mallow, along with a scenic route
and areas of scenic landscape It is surrounded by green belt, characterised by rolling
upland and river valleys of valuable scenic and amenity value to the town. The River
Blackwater has habitat, landscape, visual, and amenity qualities. The town has 60 protected
structures, including Mallow Castle, Spa House and St. Anne’s Church, and important
archaeological and built heritage.
2.4.4 County Towns

Charleville is surrounded by green belt and an important characteristic of the town is the
complex topography and landscape character of its setting. It has 58 protected buildings or
structures, important architectural heritage and is partly subject to an ACA. Buttevant is a
settlement of architectural beauty, enhanced by its historic monuments and antiques, with a
particularly attractive street scene. It has 28 protected structures including Buttevant
Castle. It is partly subject to an ACA, and a cSAC, the Awbeg River, runs adjacent.
Croom is a town with some historic, natural and architectural importance. It has a medieval
core protected by an ACA, and an area on the west bank of the river including the remains
of Croom castle. It has 13 protected structures and 7 proposed protected structures. The
River Maigue affords the town a unique setting, and is potentially an amenity of great
quality.

Outside of the main Gateways and County Towns the corridor encompasses several villages
and areas of rural hinterland of high scenic amenity. Within County Cork the Awbeg River is
designated as a cSAC from Buttevant travelling north along the corridor. Within the wider
hinterland there are 3 NHAs the largest of which is the Ballyhoura Mountains and an SPA.
There are also a number of protected structures along the corridor. Within County Limerick
there are 6 NHAs, one to the north of Croom, and the others in close proximity to Adare, 1
cSAC to the north of Croom and 4 to the south of Ardpatrick. There are also 2 scenic views
within the corridor. Adjacent to the main corridor County Kerry is home to an abundance of
high quality tourist and amenity areas, richer in quality than anywhere else in the country.

2.4.6 Integration of Environmental Objectives into the Development Strategy
Future development plans and the roll-out of infrastructure investment will need to
recognisze the high-level importance of conserving the various environmental qualities of
the corridors as identified in terms of habitats, areas of high visual and landscape quality,
river valley’s estuaries and built heritage. These increasing challenges will need to be
addressed in the context of managing development within the Corridor. Furthermore, the
opportunity exists for inter-regional co-operation on a wide range of issues at a plan
implementation level such as forestry, landscape assessment, wind farm development,
protection of views and river basin management plans.

Section 2.5: Development Strategy and Implementation
Actions
2.5.1 Development Strategy

The primary elements of the development strategy for the Limerick / Shannon – Cork
Corridor are to:
• Provide key infrastructure in the Gateways and Hubs.

• Secure land supply for key economic sectors – business, Science Innovation and
Technology Park & Airport.
• Provision of transport infrastructure to diminish or even eliminate the effects of
distance on competitiveness, environment and lifestyle.
The Corridor should be considered for policy development and implementation purposes as
a connected socio - economic entity. The focus must begin with the Limerick/Shannon and
Cork Gateways and the Mallow Hub respectively, to act as drivers to implement the
development strategy for the corridor.
The towns and villages along the Limerick / Shannon – Cork corridor should act as growth
engines for the progression of their own areas with self-supporting economic activities,
complimentary to the regional and national functions of Gateway’s and Hub towns along
the corridor.
The careful management of countryside areas, their natural and built heritage and
landscapes and their potential to accommodate economic development, is a key part of
establishing an attractive qualitative context for the Gateways, essential to their
international competitiveness.
2.5.2 Strategic Development Opportunities

Development and improvement of the transport infrastructure within the region will not
only greatly benefit the Cork and Limerick-Shannon Gateways and the Mallow Hub, but it
will also benefit other settlements within the corridor and within the wider periphery of the
corridor including the Tralee/Killarney Hub. The reduction of travel times within the corridor
will enable the enhancement of the catchments of these Hubs and Gateways and improve
the viability of further service and infrastructure development within these areas. The early
improvement of the N20 and other public transport initiatives will encourage greater levels
of commercial educational, social and cultural activities between the Gateways.
The upgrading of the road and rail links between the two Gateways will increase the
prospects for development in the Gateways. It will help promote linkages between
businesses, service providers, research, and education providers in the Gateways. The scale
and range of functions available to businesses within the Gateways will greatly expand. It
will increase the potential for the unique assets of each Gateway to be accessed from either
Gateway. It will also help the Gateways move towards a shared labour market, with the
attendant economies of scale this will bring, including improving both areas attractiveness
for inward investment. Improving the linkages between the Gateways and marketing the
joint potential of both could significantly change the image of the Gateways as locations for
investment.
2.5.3 Development of key settlements in the Corridor

make up the Corridor. From north to south, these are, Newmarket on Fergus,
Sixmilebridge, Patrickswell, Croom, Kilmallock, Charleville, Buttevant, Mallow, Blarney and
the proposed new settlement at Monard.
The continued growth of the strategic employment areas of Kilbarry, Ringaskiddy, Little
Island, Airport Business Park and Whitegate is central to the development of an economic
strategy for the corridor.
There are several other smaller scale settlements but their capacity for growth to significant
size is limited. By identifying a limited number of medium-sized Corridor settlements as
locations for focused investment and planned development, it should be possible to create
the critical mass needed to support the rural populations between the gateways and
provide a range of lifestyle choices for newly formed households. The Corridor can also
provide the opportunity for mobile or rural based enterprises to locate in serviced areas
other than the Gateway City and Hub Town locations.
2.5.4 Key Development issue
Limerick/Shannon and Cork Gateway

Each Gateway has strategic development opportunities, which will enable it to benefit from
the expanded prospects for growth created by the improved linkages between them. In
Cork City, for example, the redevelopment of the Docklands area close to the city centre
represents a major opportunity to create a new mixed-use sustainable urban quarter. It has
considerable potential for residential and employment growth with the South Docks alone
having a capacity for 20,000 people and 25,000 jobs. Appropriate employment sectors need
to be identified and targeted to secure the development of this strategic opportunity.
There is also significant potential for expanding and strengthening the retail, business
services, cultural and entertainment functions of the existing city centre.
To the north and east of the city within the metropolitan area of the Cork Gateway there
are proposals for the development of the Cork Suburban Rail Network, which have emerged
from the Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP). The proposals, currently in the course of
implementation, are to develop a major growth corridor in the northern and eastern part of
the metropolitan area between Blarney and Midleton to be served by the suburban rail
network. This will also include the proposed new town at Monard. These factors combined
will act as a major engine for growth.
Cork County Council is in the process of preparing a Special Local Area Plan for Cork Airport
which will address, in greater detail the particular land use requirements of the airport and
identify and secure land that may be required in the future to enhance the operational
capacity of the airport
Limerick City Centre is the single largest employment centre in the northern part of the
corridor with more than 16,000 jobs concentrated in an area of 400 acres along the river
front. The City Council has launched a major strategy for this area identifying brownfield
sites for redevelopment, promoting pedestrianisation and recreation works along by the
river and modifications to the transport system to facilitate access and parking.
Key Issues
• Delivery of Cork Docklands (CASP) – focused investment into its regeneration.
• Overall Integrated Approach to the Harbour Area including Ringaskiddy – the

immediate upgrading of the N28 to Ringaskiddy Port and industrial area. Find
alternative locations for the hazardous installations to which the Seveso
Directive applies.
• The future development of Cork Airport to include a possible extension to the main
runway to accommodate transatlantic flights. Improved links to the Airport
including a bus corridor as part of an integrated public transport system.
• Further development and facilitation of research and development innovation

in Cork building on its pharmaceutical and ICT Centres of Excellence (links to
existing centres of third level Education) and in Limerick further implementation of
the shared innovation strategy
• Delivery and future expansion of the Cork Suburban Rail Project (CASP)
• Delivery of the Monard Project (CASP)
• Continued investment in the quality and amenity of the urban fabric, including
branding and marketing of Cork and Limerick City Centres. Develop joint
initiatives in tourism and marketing of the region – combining strengths of the
gateways and connectivity within the region
• Improved public transport linkages between the Cork – Limerick Gateways,
Hubs and other settlements.
• Progress Action Plans and Regeneration Projects in Limerick City and

Commence development of Regeneration Plans
Mallow Hub
Mallow, located centrally between Cork and Limerick, has a significant role to play within
the Cork Limerick Corridor, supporting the Gateways of Cork and Limerick and energising
smaller towns and rural areas within its sphere of influence. Mallow is strategically located
on a transport corridor that offers a genuine modal choice between Cork, Limerick and
Killarney.
As noted, Cork County Council and Mallow Town Council have taken up the challenge of the
town’s hub designation by preparing a Special Local Area Plan for Mallow. The purpose of
the plan is to identify a unified development framework for the town and its’ immediate
environs as a whole taking into account its hub status so that investment requirements and
priorities can be identified.
Although detailed investment requirements and priorities for the town will only emerge as
the SLAP process is completed, the NSS gives guidance on many of the issues likely to
arise. The following list has been prepared in the light of this and in the light of known
issues that have already emerged in the Special Local Area Plan.
Key Issues:
• Delivery of the road network identified in the SLAP.
• Delivery of improved sanitary services is essential including commitment to

Phases 2 and 3 of the Munster Blackwater River (Mallow) Drainage Scheme, the
upgrading of the sewer network in the town and the Mallow/Ballyviniter regional
water supply scheme.
• Provision of an integrated public transport system within the town.
• Continued investment in education including provision of third level education

Initiation of a town centre enhancement scheme.
• Progress in delivering employment and development sites including ‘Mallow

West’.

2.5.5 Key Implementation Actions:
Limerick/Shannon – Cork Corridor

• Implementation of the Updated Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) and Mid
West Area Strategic Plan (MWASP) are vital to the sustainable development of
the Gateways themselves focusing major metropolitan driven growth on:
o A balanced spatial development pattern that provides for the consolidation of

development on the southern and western edges of Cork City, developing
the potential of the northern and eastern sides of the City maximising the
use of the rail corridor as a fully integrated public transport system, the
provision of a ‘Greenbelt’ for Metropolitan Cork so that each town within the
area will retain its own distinctive character and population growth led by
employment creation in the ‘Ring’ towns outside Metropolitan Cork.
o The Limerick City Northside and Southside Regeneration Strategies including

Town and Free Zone Masterplans.
• Implementation of the North and West Cork Strategic Plan which has identified
the need to strengthen the corridor between Mallow and Charleville in North Cork.
• The accelerated delivery of the Atlantic Road corridor and the Cork to
Galway Rail corridor in an integrated fashion including the development of road
and public transport interchanges within the Gateway cities and at other key nodes
such as Shannon and Cork Airport’s which serve as the primary international access
points for the Corridor.
• The development of key settlements of Shannon, Croom, Charleville,

Buttevant, Mallow, Blarney and Monard and the management of urban
sprawl through focusing development on existing town/settlement areas.
Sustainable settlement patterns will reduce greenhouse emissions.
• Careful management of development pressures on the Atlantic Corridor,

including those at major transportation interchanges, balancing the need to
harness the benefits of increased accessibility with the need to protect future
capacity and the state’s investment.
• The preparation of wider rural development strategies for the intervening

rural areas along the Limerick/Shannon – Cork Corridor. The key environmental
objectives are the conservation and prudent management of the natural beauty and
heritage of the more rural spaces between the gateways and key inter-gateway
urban centres so that a high quality urban and rural environment is presented to
both residents who live or come to want to live along the Corridor and to the
investor who is critical to driving the economy of the Corridor.
2.5.3 Next Steps

review of the Regional Planning Guidelines for the Mid-West and the South-West,
development plan review processes at city, county and where relevant, local area plan level.
In addition, the wider strategies for economic social and cultural level carried out by the
city and county development boards represent another opportunity to translate this
framework into the statutory policy frameworks.

This Section is a joint collaboration by the South-West and South-East Regional Authorities
and local authorities within the existing corridor, namely, Cork County Council, Cork City
Council, Waterford county council and Waterford City Council.
Map 3 Cork – Waterford Corridor
3.1.1 Introduction
The Gateway cities of Cork and Waterford are a distance by road from their centres of
approximately 127 kilometres. The Cork-Waterford corridor centred along the N25 and
depicted in Map 3 above contains the NSS Gateway cities themselves together with the
important urban settlements within the corridor of Midleton, Carrigtwohill and Youghal
which are also within the Cork Gateway, the urban settlement of Dungarvan in County
Waterford, and Tramore located within the Waterford Gateway as well as other towns,
villages and rural areas within its wider hinterland. The whole corridor has an existing
population of [? (Cork County Council working on this figure, but awaiting information from
Waterford City and County].
3.1.2 Cork and Waterford Gateways
The Cork Gateway is defined by the Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) boundary. It includes
Cork City itself, the principle centre of the region and the key driver in terms of its social,
economic and cultural vitality, Cork North and South Environs, a number of immediately
surrounding settlements including Midleton and Carrigtwohill, surrounding rural hinterland
with its network of smaller settlements, and a number of ring towns including Youghal (see
3.1.4 below). Midleton is an integrated employment centre, a substantial and self-
contained historic town, whereas Carrigtwohill is a strategic employment centre but is
smaller and less self-contained. The Cork Gateway has an existing population as
measured in the 2006 Census of 377,596.
The Waterford Gateway is defined in the Waterford Planning, Land Use and Transportation
Strategy (PLUTS). It comprises Waterford City itself and its environs in the Counties of
Waterford and Kilkenny. A key element of the PLUTS is the achievement of critical mass to
allow the City to reinforce and develop its role as the economic driver of the South East
Region. The Gateway also includes Tramore, located 10 kilometres from the City, which
acts as a commuter town. The Waterford Gateway has an existing population as measured
in the 2006 Census of [58,847].
Dungarvan, illustrated on the Cork-Waterford corridor in figure ?, is a key service centre

linking Cork and Waterford, promoting polycentric connections between the cities. It is well
serviced by the national and regional road network, with the N25 national primary route
and the N72 national secondary route passing east to west connecting Cork/Killarney and
Waterford/Rosslare port. The regional roads provide linkages towards the north. As
measured in the 2006 Census, Dungarvan has an existing population of 7,813. The
Waterford County strategy is to continue to stimulate significant industrial and commercial
development in Dungarvan. The towns coastal location is a considerable asset in terms of
scenic amenity, quality of life and tourism enterprise.

Youghal, is well positioned strategically on the N25 Cork-Rosslare national route acts as a
local service and tourist centre, an historical town situated within a beautiful landscape
setting, much of which is of ecological importance.
[needs some further contextual text]

Rural areas between the Gateways of Cork and Waterford are experiencing differing
development issues and development patterns. Villages and rural areas close to the

Gateways and the main commuter routes are frequently experiencing very significant
pressures for development, while remoter rural areas are experiencing the impacts of a
restructuring of the rural economy away from a dependence on agriculture and this on
occasion has resulted in the decline in population of smaller rural villages and their
surrounding countryside. The encouragement and support of local enterprise is vital to the
future sustainable development of these areas.
3.1.6 Development Plans within the Corridor

Regional Planning Guidelines relating to the corridor include the South West and South East
Regional Planning Guidelines. Strategic Planning Documents relating to the corridor include
the Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP), and the Waterford Planning, Land Use and
Transportation Study (PLUTS). Development Plans relating to the corridor include the Cork
City and County Development Plans, the Waterford City and County Development Plans,
and the Kilkenny, South Tipperary, and Wexford County Development Plans. Other more
locally specific plans of relevance include the Mallow, Midleton, Carrigtwohill and Blarney-
Kilbarry Special Local Area Plans, the Dungarvan and Tramore Local Area Plans as well as a
number of other Local Area Plans.

including implementation, of this framework presents a unique opportunity to create plan
and infrastructural investment led development rather than the other way around. The
existing local planning process presents the opportunity to integrate national strategic
infrastructure planning and local planning for sustainable long term growth. Long term
planning for physical and social infrastructure needs to take account of local spatial
planning considerations such as the need to provide for access to strategic locations such
as the County town of Dungarvan and other locations in road investments, tied in with
access to public transport nodes and close to the existing built up areas to provide for
compact sustainable urban development.

Cork – Waterford Corridor
3.2.1 Introduction
The Regional Planning Guidelines for the South-East and South-West Regions set the wider
context for population growth in the Corridor. More recently, the DoEHLG prepared new
National Population Projections and Regional Population Targets 2006-2020. these
projections envisage that the population of the South West region will grow to
approximately 784,000 by 2020 and that the South East Region will grow to almost
580,000 persons in the same period. Over the same period, this population growth will
create a demand for new houses, expansion of employment and creation of new jobs. This
section describes where growth is proposed in the urban and rural corridor.
3.2.2 Gateways
It will be essential to revitalise Cork City as the heart of a thriving city region including
through the redevelopment of brownfield land in the Docklands and elsewhere, and to
redefine Metropolitan Cork as a unified entity having a single jobs and property market,
creating an integrated transport system, and maintaining and enhancing the social, cultural
and educational facilities of a modern European city. Development is also proposed at
Midleton and Carrigtwohill, both subject of Special Local Area Plans (SLAP) adopted in
2005, which aim to guide new mixed use development to take advantage of proposals to
establish a suburban rail network for Cork, an important element of CASP. Youghal is
currently being promoted by the Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (SEDG), a
partnership with a focus on increasing investment into the Youghal area and a draft
proposal has been developed by the partnership. Objectives for the town include
capitalising from the by-pass in terms of its employment and tourism functions, and
securing the re-opening of the disused rail route.
The Cork Gateway is expected to absorb a significant population and jobs growth over the
next 20 years. It has a projected population (2020) of 424,645 as identified in RPG 2004.
However, a new target figure of 488,000 has been set for the Gateway taking account of
the higher target figures proposed for the region by the DoEHLG.
Three specific areas have been targeted for growth in Waterford. The area in the vicinity
of the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) site at Carriganore has been designated for
the development of modern knowledge based enterprises, with lands set aside for strategic
industrial development. In the city centre a number of key opportunity sites have been
identified and development frameworks prepared with the aim of consolidating the city
centre. The lands adjacent to the Port of Waterford at Belview have been designated as a
strategic development site, taking advantage of the port’s strategic location.

With regard to Tramore, it is desirable to develop a wider range of services and facilities
within the town in order to maintain a sustainable local community.
As with the Cork Gateway, the Waterford Gateway is expected to absorb a significant
population and jobs growth over the next 20 years. The Waterford Gateway has a current
population as measured in the 2006 Census of 58,847. It has a projected population
(2020) of 84,000 as identified in RPG 2004. However, a new target figure of [?] has been
set for the Gateway to take account of the higher target figures proposed for the region by
the DoEHLG,.
3.2.3 Corridors Towns
County Town Dungarvan

Dungarvan is designated as a County town in the NSS, which recognises its potential for
urban strengthening
Youghal
[?]
3.2.4 Corridor Villages and Rural Hinterland

natural and built heritage and landscapes are a key part of establishing an attractive
context for the Gateway, essential to their international competitiveness.
3.2.5 Key Infrastructural Interventions

A key driver of the proposed polycentric plan will be the reduction of journey times
between the two Gateways and the increase in public transport provision. Improved
infrastructure will be essential to encourage increased economic development and more
tourists into the corridor.
A key infrastructural requirement included in Transport 21 is the upgrading of the N25

Waterford-Rosslare national road, linking the strategically vital Port of Rosslare to the
Atlantic Gateway corridor. This route is a vital commercial and tourist route into the

corridor. Infrastructure also includes the Waterford City bypass. A significant amount of
work has already been undertaken with the Waterford bypass due for completion by 2010
and the overall project due for completion by 2015.
Continued development of Public Transport will also be of key importance in the sustainable
development of the overall corridor. The corridor is currently served by a regular hourly
bus service, however no rail services are currently proposed, although there is potential to
expand the Cork commuter rail service to as far as Youghal. Within County Cork, the
development of a rail commuter service between Midleton and Mallow is progressing with
an expected commencement date of early 2009.

economy to one based on the production and the application of knowledge. Both
Gateways and many intervening towns and rural areas have broadband access, with County
and Group Broadband schemes promoting the roll-out of broadband to smaller towns and
rural communities.
Key Planned Capital Investments in Cork

• Investment in the physical infrastructural elements of the Cork Docklands, such as
new Bridges connecting North and South Docks and new Water and Sanitary
Services facilities,
• Northern Ring Road (Phase 1) to the N8
• N28 Ringaskiddy
• New Primary and Post Primary Educational facilities in the Cork docklands.
• Locating a Third level Presence in the Cork Docklands
• Capital investment in Flood mitigation measures.
• Upgrading and development of Kent Railway Station in Cork city
• Major water services projects ongoing within Co. Cork, including the Lower Harbour
Sewerage Scheme and the Cork Water Strategy Study
• Capital investment in the urban fabric of the docklands area, realising commercial
and housing developments, together with urban landscaping and recreational
facilities, in line with those envisaged in the Docklands Plans.
• A large events centre for the Gateway, which is now in planning and capable of
attracting and accommodating very large conferences, symposia and other events.
• Improvement of Road, Rail, communications energy and sanitary services
infrastructures together with investment in the urban fabric, public realm,
recreational and educational as well as health care facilities.

Key Planned Capital Investments in Waterford
• Upgrading of the N25 Cork/Waterford/Rosslare route, including the Dungarvan and
New Ross bypasses
• Investment in dockland regeneration schemes in the city centre at the North Quays
and Bilberry
• Investment in a bus-based public transport system including green routes, park and
ride, enhanced bus fleet
• Extension of Outer Ring Road and third river crossing
• Runway and terminal extensions at Waterford Regional Airport
• Wharf extensions and channel deepening at the Port of Waterford
• Expansion of facilities and services at Waterford Regional Hospital
• Significant investment in city centre retailing
• Development of a “heritage quarter” with significantly increased tourism numbers
• Development of a “government quarter” accommodating central, local government
and private offices

Section 3.3 Strategic Development Opportunities
3.3.1 Introduction
only greatly benefit the Cork and Waterford Gateways, but it will also benefit other
settlements within the corridor and within the wider periphery of the corridor. The reduction
of travel times within the corridor will enable the enhancement of the catchments of the
Gateways and improve the viability of further service and infrastructure development within
these areas. The improvement of the N25 and other public transport initiatives will
encourage greater levels of commercial educational, social and cultural activities between
the Gateways.
To achieve the potential of the corridor, it will be vital that economic development
infrastructure investment and the planning policies of constituent planning authorities
recognise the complementarities, interconnections and interdependencies between the
Gateways. It is the combination of these distinctive characteristics and defining features
that produces a synergy and a set of development opportunities that is greater than the
sum of the individual gateways and intervening areas. The challenge for spatial strategies
in the Cork-Waterford Corridor is thus to provide the context for these activities to flourish,
including an attractive living environment, high quality leisure resources, excellent transport
links and competitive working conditions.
The polycentric plan will increase the scale and range of functions available to businesses
within the Gateways. It will increase the potential for the unique assets of each Gateway
to be accessed from either Gateway. It will also help the Gateways move towards a shared
labour market, with the attendant economies of scale this will bring, including improving
both areas attractiveness for inward investment. Improving the linkages between the
Gateways and marketing the joint potential of both could significantly change the image of
the Gateways as locations for investment.
Each Gateway has strategic development opportunities which will enable it to benefit from
the expanded prospects for growth created by the improved linkages between them. In
each City, for example, the redevelopment of Docklands areas close to the city centres
represent major opportunities to create new mixed use sustainable urban quarters. There
is considerable potential for residential and employment growth with the Cork South Docks
alone having a capacity for 20,000 people and 25,000 jobs. Appropriate employment
sectors need to be identified and targeted to secure the development of these strategic
opportunities. There is also significant potential for expanding and strengthening the retail,
business services, cultural and entertainment functions of the existing city centres.

Together with the Cork Docklands area plan which demonstrates a capacity for over
185,000 sq metres of new offices, the city will promote major development opportunities
through the City Development Plan 2004 which has as its main goal "The promotion of
sustainable economic and community development" through the direct means of "making
land and sites available for development" and "the provision of infrastructure".
To the north of the city within the metropolitan area of the Cork Gateway there are
proposals for the development of the Cork Suburban Rail Network, which have emerged
from the Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP). The proposals are to develop a major growth
corridor in the northern and eastern part of the metropolitan area between Blarney and
Midleton to be served by the suburban rail network. This will be a major engine for
growth.
The Waterford City Development Plan, as expressed in the “Project 2014”, envisages an
investment of the order of ?2.4bn in the Gateway in order to improve the quality of life and
prime the development of critical mass in the gateway and region.

Section 3.4 Achieving a Quality Environment
3.4.1 Introduction
Environmental protection and enhancement must play a key role within the overall
development of the corridor. In particular it is essential with the ongoing development of
the Gateways, that the natural and built environment and cultural heritage of these areas
be protected and enhanced where possible.
The Cork-Waterford corridor and its periphery is rich in high quality environmental and
amenity areas, which must take a central place in the overall development strategy of the
corridor. Socially, culturally and architecturally, Cork and Waterford are highly attractive and
vibrant cities. With less congestion and lower living costs than Dublin, but with all of the
attractions that a modern city has to offer, Cork and Waterford are highly attractive places
in which to live and work. The ongoing development of these cities and in particular the
redevelopment of the Docklands areas of the cities can only further serve to enhance their
attractiveness.
Outside of the main cities the corridor encompasses historic towns and villages, and areas
such as the coastal zone, the river valleys and uplands which provide a high quality
environment. Improving transportation links can only serve to further enhance this high
quality corridor environment, by adding greater support to the continuing development of
economic, social and leisure activities within it.
The quality of the environment plays a very important role in the quality of life of the
corridor and its economic success, from tourism to industrial and commercial development.
Its quality must be protected, enhanced and integrated into all areas of policy formulation
within the corridor and its periphery.
The opportunity exists for inter-regional co-operation on a wide range of issues such as
forestry, landscape assessment, wind farm development, protection of views and river
catchment basin management.

Section 3.5 Development Strategy and Implementation Actions
3.5.1 Introduction
The following infrastructural/service facilities are considered as over-arching components to
stimulate inward investment and further strategic development of the Atlantic Corridor. The
implementation of these strategies will require input and primary involvement from many
stakeholders, not least among, University/TI management groups, Bus & Rail service
providers, NRA Regional Authority, Local Authorities in the area, Communications service
providers. The fulfilment of the development strategy can only be achieved and
implemented through the unity of purpose and co-operation and drive of the stakeholders
involved.
(1) It is considered critical that WIT is upgraded to University status with the university
retaining its technological/business bias and the Carriganore Campus should be
developed without delay as this is considered critical to the coherent development
of the region and the Atlantic Gateway / Corridor concept. Nonetheless, it is
recognised that it is primarily a matter for the Government to decide upon an
appropriate way forward within the wider national context.
(2) Research & development facilities need to be focused in the Gateways in

conjunction with the third level institutions. Co-operation between the institutions
should be developed for common purposes and mutual support. The inter-linkage
between the various third level institutes within the wider Atlantic Corridor provides
a good structure around which to build R&D projects thereby adding considerable
value to the current hub of pharmaceutical/healthcare industries in the Atlantic
Corridor Area as a whole and the N25 Corridor area in particular. Such “support
initiative and co-operation” will encourage inward movement of high-end value jobs
and ensure there is a magnet to attract people to work and live in these areas and
thereby facilitate the development of the type of mass required by Government to
balance development.
(3) Good and consistent accessibility to Airports and Ports is vital for the development
of linkages and synergies involving the healthcare/3rd level/R&D elements, for the
development of the N25 Atlantic Corridor. A fast and consistent transportation
access to Cork airport is of high priority for business trips and for the import/export
of products from Waterford, Rosslare and Cork ports. The delivery of the 2+2 dual
carriageway/motorway standard road connectivity between Waterford and Cork is
an essential part of this strategy.

(4) The further development of Waterford Airport has to be progressed by way of
better access, terminal/runway expansion and support facilities for passenger and
improved infrastructure for the airport. This would provide limitless benefits for the
region, the South and the Atlantic corridor concept. Access to Europe and Britain
is particularly poor from Dublin for South based travellers, because of uncertain
travel time delays, road congestion, etc. This is seen as a major cost to business
and is stated to be a significant negative mark in attracting/retaining industry to
the SE Region. An alternative route needs to be delivered to key British and
European destinations. This will make the South-East/N25 corridor more attractive
to potential employers and add value to the employment potential of the area.
(5) The availability of good communications service and particularly broadband is a

vital consideration. Whilst “MANS” is in most if the larger towns now and there
are other options within most of the reasonably sized towns, rural broadband
accessibility is inconsistent and at best intermittent. The market for its delivery is
also piecemeal and unfocussed, and clarity through a national plan (and driver)
would help towards tackling this deficit, and provide the necessary communications
infrastructure to all businesses in the region including rural business. An audit of
broadband deficit along the N24 Corridor area needs be undertaken immediately to
ascertain the level of coverage and to address areas of deficiency and remedial
action to follow without delay.
(6) Quality public transport service needs to be provided in the gateways along with
the provision of park and ride facilities. In addition, public bus transport between
gateways needs to be significantly upgraded along with the installation of a quality
rural public transport system that will be strongly interconnected with the public
transport system in the gateways and the key towns.
(7) Extension of a rail siding at Belview Port is a vital part of the transport
infrastructure required to improve efficiency of cargo movement throughout the
Region and beyond and is seen as a vital determinant in the upgrade of the
Corridor Rail network.
3.5.3 Next Steps

review of the Regional Planning Guidelines for the South-West and the South-East,

Section 4 - Waterford - Limerick/Shannon Corridor
Section 4.1 The Existing Corridor
This Section is a joint collaboration by the South-East and Mid-West Regional Authorities
and local authorities within the existing corridor, namely, Waterford County Council,
Waterford City Council, Kilkenny County Council, Tipperary South County Council, Tipperary
North County Council, Limerick County Council and Limerick City Council.
Map 4 Waterford – Limerick/Shannon Corridor
4.1.1 Introduction
The Gateway cities of Waterford and Limerick/Shannon are a distance by road of
approximately 125kms. The Waterford-Limerick/Shannon corridor centred along the N24
and depicted on Map 4 above contains the Gateway cities themselves together with the
important urban settlements along the corridor of Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel, Cahir and
Tipperary as well as other towns, villages and rural areas within its wider hinterland. This
N24 corridor transcends the regional boundaries of the Mid West and South East Regions
and forms the key east-west transport corridor for the regions. The corridor is also
characterised by the Waterford - Limerick Railway Line which is an underutilised piece of
infrastructure.

4.1.2 Waterford and Limerick/Shannon Gateways
The Waterford Gateway is defined in the Waterford Planning, Land Use and Transportation
Strategy (PLUTS). It comprises Waterford City itself and its environs in the Counties of
Waterford and Kilkenny. A key element of PLUTS is the achievement of critical mass to
allow Waterford City to reinforce and develop its role as the economic driver of the South
East Region. The Gateway which is supported by the hubs of Wexford and Kilkenny also
includes Tramore, located 10 kilometres from the City, which acts as a commuter town. The
Waterford Gateway has an existing population as measured in the 2006 Census of
[58,847]. New Ross (pop.7, 709) is also within the sphere of influence of the Waterford
Gateway although not geographically located along the corridor.
The Limerick/Shannon Gateway consists of Limerick City itself and Shannon and therefore
transcends the functional area of Limerick City Council and County Council as well as Clare
County Council. Nearly all of the suburban area fringing the city is in County Limerick (and
a small portion is in County Clare) with areas such as Castletroy and Raheen/Dooradoyle
accommodating most of the suburban population.
The Mid-West Regional Planning Guidelines (2004) identifies a Zone 1 area centred on the
gateway and this Zone 1 is equivalent to the gateway area. It includes Limerick City, the
largest employment centre in the Mid West Region with more than 16,000 jobs in
commercial, recreation, education and health services, Shannon and the hub town of Ennis
in County Clare in addition to the villages of Adare, Patrickswell, Castleconnell, Clarina,
Kildimo, Fedamore and Ballyneety. The Limerick Gateway has an estimated population as
measured in the 2006 Census of approximately 150,000.
A core area has been identified within the zone 1 area and this is the metropolitan driver of
the gateway. It consists of the urban and suburban areas of Limerick City the linked
gateway to Shannon and the immediate satellite towns of Patrickswell, Ballyneety, Newport,
Castleconnell and Six-Mile-Bridge.
The Location location of Shannon in proximity to Limerick City has a huge impact on the
potential of the Gateway and the associatedse corridors. Shannon acts as a lever for
additional investment and development in the region by way of its capacity for innovation
and development and its connectivity to the national transport framework. The third level
educational institutions (UL, LIT) are also well linked to both Shannon Development and
local industry resulting in high rates of knowledge transfer and innovation within the
Gateway. Limerick Port which is still operational within the City Docklands and Foynes Port
located approximately 35km to the south west of the City are in close proximity to Limerick
and while Foynes is located away from the corridor, stillalso provides for a major
infrastructural service.
Other towns in the corridor ‘catchment’ are Cashel (11miles north) and Mitchelstown
(12miles south) of the N24. Other urbans within the wider Corridor catchment include
Thurles and Callan. These towns, though off the corridor itself, tend to look towards the
N24 for transportation and economic support. The major crossing of the N8 Dublin–Cork
National Road with the Waterford - Limerick N24 National Route at Cahir has also
significant development implications for the Corridor Catchment.
The upgrading of the N7 and N8 National Primary Roads to motorway standard will see the
corridor having a greater impact on south western and south eastern parts of North
Tipperary, and in particular the towns of Nenagh and Thurles respectively.
Table 1 Corridor Population:
Population 2006
Limerick
Limerick City 94,778

Ennis & Envs 24,253
Shannon 9,222
Sub Total 128,253
Waterford
Waterford City 49,213

Tramore 9,634
Newross 7,709
Sub Total 66,556
South Tipp
Clonmel 1,7008
Carrick on Suir 5,906
Tipperary 5,065
Cahir 3,381
Cashel 2,936
Sub Total 34,296
North Tipp
Nenagh 7,415
Thurles 6,831
Sub Total 14,246
Total 243,351

The total urban population in 2006, on the Corridor is estimated at approx. 242,567 and in
addition an estimate for the rural areas (EDs straddling the N24) a further 25,000 persons
are accommodated, giving approximately 267,567 in 2006.
Clonmel
Clonmel, the County administrative capital and principal town in South Tipperary has a
population of c17,000 persons. It is an important market town, eduacation centre, and
driver of employment for all of the County and adjoining areas, particularly Waterford
County. Clonmel is strong in terms of its economic base and the number of people at work
is 5,842. 32% of those working are engaged in the manufacturing industry and 19% are
engaged in commercial services. As the main service centre in South Tipperary and the
centre of employment it will be necessary to promote and strengthen Clonmel in terms of
both its regional and national role. The population of Clonmel increased by 1% during the
period 2002-2006, with the outlying satellite villages taking up the population gains. This
issue has to be redressed to realise the growth potential of Clonmel.
Carrick-on-Suir
Carrick on Suir has a population of c6,000 persons. The town performs the role of an
important market and employment hub for its urban population and wide hinterland.
Carrick-on-Suir town offers a supporting role in terms of critical mass needed for the
Gateway of Waterford City. A total of 1,579 persons are employed in Carrick with 34% of
those engaged in manufacturing and 20% in commercial services. South Tipperary County
Council will seek to strengthen the role of Carrick on Suir as a linkage between Clonmel
and the Gateway of Waterford. The population growth of Carrick-on-Suir in the period
2002-2006 amounted to 6%.
Tipperary Town
Tipperary Town has a population of c5,000 persons having experienced a 2% growth in the
last census period. It was historically a market town and served a large hinterland in
Tipperary and Limerick. Tipperary now performs a function on the periphery of the South
East Region and also serves the needs of people in the Mid West Region. Its proximity to
the gateway of Limerick City allows it to play a supporting role and an increasing number of
people are living in Tipperary Town and working in Limerick City. At present in Tipperary
Town there are 1,429 persons at work with 23% employed in manufacturing jobs and 23%
employed in jobs in commercial services. Tipperary Town is seen as an important linkage
between Clonmel and the Gateway of Limerick. Strategically another important role of
Tipperary Town is the proximity of Limerick Junction railway station, which acts as the

major intersectional rail transport hub between Limerick/Waterford/Rosslare and the
Cork/Dublin Rail llines and also connects to Ennis and Tralee.
Cahir
Cahir has a population of c3,500 and has experienced high levels of growth in the last ten
years. Historically, Cahir was a fortified bridging point on the Suir and its heritage value was
also recognised when it was designated a Heritage Town. In the last 10 years Cahir has
experienced a 51% growth in population due to its relative close proximity (1 hour
commuting distance) to Cork City. At present there are 692 persons at work in Cahir and
of these 24% are engaged in manufacturing and 26% are engaged in commercial services.
Cahir town occupies a highly strategic location in terms of South Tipperary and the region,
at the cross-roads of the Cork-Dublin Nat Road (M8/N8) and the Limerick-Waterford Nat
Road (N24). It is expected that Cahir will expand as a commuter town, due to its relatively
close proximity to Cork and Limerick and as a strategic industrial/commercial hub due to its
central location on the major E-W: N-S transport routes.
Cashel
Cashel has a population of c3,000 people and experienced a 6% growth during the last
census period. It is also a Heritage Town but the main reason for its recent growth is its
position on the N8. The recently opened Cork – Dublin Road have reduced travel time from
Cashel – Dublin significantly and have increasingly made Cashel a desirable place to live.
Recent retail and employment gains and proposals to expand existing industries in Cashel
have strengthened its employment base.
Nenagh
Nenagh Town is the administrative centre for North Tipperary County. The Town has a
population of 7,415 and it experienced a 21.1% growth during the last census period.
Nenagh’s substantial growth is based on its proximity to the Limerick/Shannon Gateway and
on the town’s location just off the N7 National Primary Route. The continuing
improvements to the road and rail infrastructure (the upgrading of the N7 to motorway
status and the commencement of a basic commuter rail service into Limerick), together
with the development of an attractive retail base and improvements to the fabric of the
town will continue to make Nenagh an attractive place to live. It is expected that Nenagh
will continue to develop as a commuter town for Limerick and as an strategic
commercial/industrial centre given its location on the new M7 Limerick to Dublin motorway
and the N52 National Secondary Road which serves the midlands area.
Thurles
Thurles Town is the main town in the eastern side of the County. The population of the
town was 6,831 in 2006 which is a fall of 0.3% from the 2002 census. However the
environs of the town experienced a 45% increase in population in the 4 years to 2006
rising to 851. Traditionally the town operated as a market town for its rural hinterland,
however it has suffered from retail spend leakages to other commercial centres like
Limerick, Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Clonmel and Kilkenny. Thurles is strategically located
close to the N8 Dublin to Cork road and has the main Dublin to Cork rail line running
through it. The N62 also runs through the town. Thurles benefits from having the
Tipperary Institute campus within the town, together with Semple Stadium and Thurles
Racecourse but is increasingly experiencing commuter traffic travelling to Dublin on a daily
basis. Thurles benefits from having the Tipperary Institute campus within the town,
together with Semple Stadium and Thurles Racecourse. The towns proximity to the
Gateways of Limerick/Shannon, Dublin, Cork and Waterford offers the town the opportunity
to benefit from increasing population and a rise in investment in retail, commercial and
industry. However it is paramount that any future development is managed so that it
enhances the town centre rather than resulting in sprawl outside of the urban boundary.

The smaller settlements along the N24 Corridor include, Pallasgreen (pop 368) Oola (pop
386) in Co Limerick and Bansha (pop 272) and Kilsheelan (pop 520) in South Tipperary.
The Rural areas between the Gateways of Limerick/Shannon and Waterford are
experiencing differing development issues and development patterns. Smaller towns,
villages and rural areas close to the Gateways and the main commuter routes are
frequently experiencing very significant pressures for development, while remoter rural
areas are experiencing the impacts of a restructuring of the rural economy away from a
dependence on agriculture and this on occasion has resulted in the decline in population of
smaller rural villages and their surrounding countryside.
4.1.6 Development Plans of the Region

Regional Planning Guidelines relating to the corridor include the South East and Mid -West
Regional Planning Guidelines. The Mid-West Area Strategic Plan and the Waterford Planning
Land Use and Transportation Study also provide important planning policy context for the
corridor.
Development Plans relating to the Waterford Gateway include the Waterford County
Development Plan 2005 – 2011 and the Waterford City Development Plan 2007 - 2013.
Relevant plans for Limerick City include the Limerick City Development Plan 2004-2010
(review commenced December 2008) and the regeneration master plans for the North and
South Side and St. Mary’s Park.
Development Plans relating to South Tipperary include, the South Tipperary County
Development Plan 2003 and the new draft Development Plan for South Tipperary 2009-
2015 which is due to be adopted in February 2009. Other development plans include the
Clonmel and Environs Development Plan 2008, the Carrick on Suir Town Development Plan
2008 the Tipperary Town and Environs Development Plan 2007, the Cashel Town and
Environs Plan 2003 (((currently under review and due to be adopted in May 2009). There
arealso Local Area Plans for Cahir , Bansha & Kilsheelan.It is intended that following the
adoption of the current Draft South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009-2015 there
will also be Local Area Plans for Fethard, Cahir, Knocklofty, Holycross, Limerick Junction and
Marlfield only.
Development Plans relating to North Tipperary include, the North Tipperary County
Development Plan 2004 (review due to commence), the Nenagh Town and Environs
Development Plan 2007 and the Thurles Town and Environs Development Plan 2003 (under
review - Draft Thurles and Environs Development Plan 2009-2015).
In County Limerick the Mid-West Regional Planning Guidelines 2004 along with the Limerick
County Development Plan 2005 and the Planning and Land Use Transportation Study for
the Limerick Area, 2001 are the relevant reference documents. There are an array of Local
Area Plans for the towns and villages of County Limerick.

including implementation, of this framework presents a unique opportunity to create plan
and infrastructural investment led development rather than the other way around. The
importance of the prioritisation of the N24 National Road for upgrading and development to
dual carriageway or motorway standard is paramount to reinforce the transport link
between the Limerick-Waterford Gateways. The 125km travel time between the Gateways
takes over 2-3 hours due to poor road alignment, traffic concentration on the route and
traffic congestion. The travel time could be halved by providing dual carriageway or
motorway standard infrastructure.
The lack of a quality rail link, despite the existence of a viable rail corridor and intact rail
line, is seen as vital opportunities lost to improve connectivity, reduce road congestion,
improve transport links for inter-city and commuter passenger and freight haulage, improve
time travel, etc between the Gateways and urbans along the corridor. The lack of
development of this vital transport infrastructure acts to segregate and isolate the
gateways, marginalise the urban centres along the Corridor and stifle business confidence
for the entire sub-region, which will jeopardise sustainable long-term growth.
Long-term planning for physical and social infrastructure needs to take account of local
spatial planning considerations such as the need to provide for access to strategic locations
such as Hub towns and other locations in road investments, tied in with access to public
transport nodes and close to the existing built up areas to provide for compact sustainable
urban development.
The NDP 2007-2013 provides support for many of the key physical infrastructure elements
essential to the implementation of the N24 Corridor concept. The ongoing N8 National
Road development has improved connectivity in the North-South axis and resulted in
settlements located along it becoming more desirable places to live and work. This road
development has also added another dimension to the N24 corridor in terms of
strengthening the north-south link, to the strategic east-west corridor.
Other key development issues that need to be addressed, include:
• the establishment of a University in the South East with links to existing third level
institutes within the region including Tipperary Institute and joint initiatives between
the third level educational institutes – UL, LIT, Tipperary Institute, WIT
• Quality public transport service in and between the Gateways and provision of Park
& Ride services so that the population residing in the commuter settlements within
the corridor are given a realistic alternative to road based private transport
• Development of and improving access to the major ports, Limerick Docklands &
Foynes, Waterford, Belview, Rosslare and New Ross
• Expansion and improvement of the S-E Regional Airport and improved transport
linkages for public bus and car from/to all major urban centres
• [Expand and improve Shannon International Airport for international, European and
domestic flight linkage
• Expansion of and marketing of the unique high value tourism product along the
Corridor concentrating on developing the inland waterways in a sustainable manner
- making tourism experience top quality and memorable
• Full role out of Broadband to all rural areas along the Corridor. All the major urbans
are networked at this stage
• Investment in the provision and upgrade of water services infrastructure at strategic
locations to cater for plan led development
• Development of Ballingarrane ‘Technology’ Park in Clonmel
• Better R&D to service industry co-operation between Gateways.
• Provision through County development Plan and Land-use Policies of land banks for
commercial/industrial/enterprise to promote the corridor as a strategic location for
inward investment
• Development of Limerick Junction as strategic transport gateway for N-S & E-W
road and rail traffic

• Physical improvements to rail connectivity between the two cities and intermediate
towns
• Continued roll out of natural gas infrastructure to the towns of Nenagh and Thurles,
Cashel and Cahir
• Construction of Phase II of Southern Ring Road project; Limerick Tunnel, consists of
675m of underground tunnel connecting to the upgraded N7 (under construction)
Dublin to Limerick to Cork and to Galway.

Section 4.2 Prospects for Growth
Waterford – Limerick/Shannon Corridor
4.2.1 Introduction
Having considered the existing corridor in terms of the Gateways, important urban areas,
and villages and rural hinterland, and having highlighted the relevant planning guidelines,
planning documents, and development plans, as well as key development issues, this
section will focus upon prospects for growth along the corridor. It will broadly focus on
areas anticipated for significant development.
4.2.2 Regional and Corridor Population Projections

Projections undertaken by the DoEHLG envisage that the population of the South East
region will grow to approximately 580,000 by 2020 and that the Mid West Region will grow
to over 450,000 persons in the same period. Over the same period, this population growth
will create a demand for new houses, expansion of employment and creation of new jobs.
This section describes where growth is proposed in the urban and rural corridor.
Table 2 : Regional Population Figures.Table 9: Sub - Regional Population Target
Regional 2006 RPG 2020 2020 target

over RPG
South-East Region 474,838 500,000 579,862

Mid-west Region 361,028 400,000 451,761
From Regional Planning Guidelines and includes DEHLG revised estimated

population figures for 2020 (February 2007)
The population for the Limerick-Waterford corridor is currently estimated at 246,500 and
given the projection for growth for the regions as outlined above, it is likely the corridor
population by 2020 will be approx. 310,500. This figure allows only for average increase
throughout the regions but it is likely the figure would be exceeded with the benefit of
increasing critical mass in the gateways and stronger urban centres along the corridor.
4.2.3 Urban and Rural Corridor

Given the potential for population growth by 2020, it will be essential to fortify both
Limerick and Waterford Cities as the drivers for development for the entire region. The
developments outlined earlier will be key to advance the gateways as truly modern
European cities with quality integrated transport systems, high quality living and working
environment, with capability to maintain, expand and enhance their social and cultural
attributes and provide quality educational and R&D facilities.

Three specific areas have been targeted as vital components for growth in Waterford. The
area in the vicinity of the WIT campus at Carriganore has been designated for the
development of modern knowledge based enterprises, with lands set aside for strategic
industrial development. In the city centre a number of key opportunity sites have been
identified and development frameworks prepared with the aim of consolidating the city
centre. The lands adjacent to the Port of Waterford at Belview have been designated as a
strategic development site, taking advantage of the port’s strategic location.
In Limerick, the construction of Phase II of Southern Ring Road project; Limerick Tunnel
connecting to the upgraded N7 (under construction) Dublin to Limerick to Cork and to
Galway, and the major water services investment projects ongoing within Co. Limerick are
vital components for continued growth. In the City it will be important to establish a new
development focus along the riverside, embracing docklands, quayside, city centre, park
canal and University from which a combination of regeneration and greenfield
developments will flow. In addition, the development of a new business park will be
undertaken at Ennis, based upon advanced infrastructure and information services.
4.2.4 County Towns
Clonmel
The focus is for the town to continue to act as the driver for development in the County, to
strengthen its technological industrial base, provide high quality employment and living and
leisure environment with quality integrated transportation network and with capability to
expand and enhance its social and cultural attributes and provide quality educational and
R&D facilities. The target population is 30,000 by 2020. The means to achieve this role is
dependent on the success of the development of the Gateways and vital infrastructure
being put in place (as outlined at Section 6).
Carrick-on-Suir
The role of Carrick-on-Suir will continue as a market town supporting its hinterland for the
purposes of providing quality employment, shopping living and leisure environment. Carrick
on Suir with its existing population of 6,000 people is well placed to make vital contribution
to the growth of the Waterford gateway in contributing to critical mass conditions and in
reciprocal to benefit from spin off investment from Waterford City. Carrick-on-Suir is
strategically located on the navigable Suir River with boardwalk and marina for pleasure
boats. It is intended to expand this water based tourism function to include Clonmel and
to achieve inland waterway status. The Ormond Castle and other heritage structures close
by enable a viable tourism product to be promoted.

Tipperary Town
The role of Tipperary Town will continue as a market town supporting its hinterland for the
purposes of providing quality employment, shopping living and leisure environment. It is
strategically located close to Limerick (30minute commute) and close to Limerick Junction
and will develop as a strategic transport hub providing the transport initiatives as outlined
at Section 6 are realised. Its strong population base of 5,000 persons is well placed to
make vital contribution to the growth of the Limerick gateway in contributing to critical
mass conditions and in reciprocal to benefit from spin off investment from Limerick.
Cahir
With its quality heritage product Cahir Castle, Swiss Cottage, river fishing tourism, will
expand as an important tourist location. Due to its strategic location at the cross-roads of
the Cork-Dublin Nat Road (M8/N8) and the Limerick-Waterford Nat Road (N24), its relatively
close proximity to Cork, Limerick and Waterford and as a strategic industrial/commercial
hub, it is expected that Cahir will expand as a commuter town and provide quality living
and employment, shopping and education for its population.
Nenagh
Will remain in its role as the administrative centre of the county. The focus is for the town
to continue to develop as the main town for the western side of the county, to strengthen
and diversify its economic base, provide high quality employment and living and leisure
environment, with a quality integrated transportation network and with the capability to
expand and enhance its social and cultural attributes and provide quality educational and
industrial facilities. Nenagh’s growing population is well placed to make an important
contribution to the growth of the Limerick/Shannon Gateway and will itself in turn benefit
from links with a strong Gateway.
Thurles
Will remain as the major town in the eastern part of North Tipperary. Thurles will continue
as a market town supporting its hinterland for the purposes of employment, education,
shopping and leisure and will continue to provide a high quality of life. Thurles’ strategic
location along the proposed M8, the N62 National Secondary Road, and the Dublin to Cork
railway line, the continued development of the Tipperary Institute campus, and its unique
location between the Gateways of Dublin, Cork, Limerick/Shannon, Cork and Waterford,
offers the town an opportunity to participate in the growth and development of these
Gateways and to increase its population, employment opportunities and its role within the
corridor.

9.1.1 Table 3: Key Population Figures
County Towns 2006 2020
Waterford (PLUTS) 66,543 84,000

Limerick 94,778 120,000
Clonmel 17,008 30,000
Carrick on Suir 5,906 7,500
Cahir 3,381 4,260
Tipperary 5,065 6,500
Current and Projected County Town Populations. Projection takes DEHLG

(2007)increase over RPG (2004) estimate.

natural and built heritage and landscapes is a key part of establishing an attractive context
for the Gateways, essential to their international competitiveness.
There is a need to protect the rural areas from inappropriate development such as one off
housing, and to ensure the preservation of amenity areas. Various Local Plan designations,
such as green belts, rural housing control zones and objectives relating to amenity areas
and protected structures seek to protect rural areas from such development pressure.

Section 4.3 Strategic Development Opportunities
4.3.1 Introduction
It is essential that environmental protection and enhancement is built into and central to
the development strategy for the Limerick- Waterford Corridor. As outlined above the
corridor has a varied and very high quality built and natural environment. The quality of the
environment will play a very important role in the quality of life of the corridor and its
economic success, from tourism to industrial and commercial development.
only greatly benefit the Limerick and Waterford Gateways, but it will also benefit other
settlements within the corridor and within the wider periphery of the corridor. The reduction
of travel times within the corridor will enable the enhancement of the catchments of the
Gateways and improve the viability of further service and infrastructure development within
these areas. The improvement of the N24 and other public transport initiatives will
encourage greater levels of commercial educational, social and cultural activities between
the Gateways.
The polycentric plan approach will increase the scale and range of functions available to
businesses within the Gateways. It will increase the potential for the unique assets of each
Gateway to be shared and accessed from either Gateway. It will also help the Gateways
move towards a shared labour market, with the attendant economies of scale that this will
bring, including improving both areas attractiveness for inward investment. Improving the
linkages between the Gateways and marketing the joint potential of both could significantly
change the image of the Gateways as locations for investment.
4.3.2 Transport and Infrastructure

A key driver of the proposed polycentric plan will be the reduction of distance between the
two Gateways. This section will provide a summary of the key transport, infrastructure and
communications planned over the forthcoming 10 or more years, and provide an overview
as to how these will alter the connectivity between the Gateways and within the corridor.
Roads
At present the journey time by road between the two Gateways is approximately 2–3hours,
and it is anticipated that this could be reduced to 1 hour with improved infrastructure. A
key infrastructural requirement is the upgrading of the N24 Limerick-Waterford National
Primary Route to Motorway standard. Of major importance here will be affirmation that the
development of the N24 Nat. Road is a key component in the overall development of the
Corridor. The upgrading of the N24 will substantially shorten journey time between the

Gateways, thus promoting the creation of a single economic space shared by the two cities
and therefore increased opportunities for growth and development.
The proposed works under Transport 21 include a by-pass of Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel Outer
bypass, Bansha-Pallasgreen Bypass (incorporating by-pass of Tipperary Town and Limerick
Junction) and are in themselves major and significant improvements. However, it has to be
emphasised that without motorway standard road between the gateways the potential for
full growth potential will not be fully realised.
Bus and Rail Service, Ports and Airports

Development in public transport will be of key importance in the sustainable development
of the overall corridor. In order to determine the most appropriate forms of public transport
along the corridor, it may be appropriate to have a feasibility study undertaken. Public
expressway bus services and rail services can provide public transport directly between the
Gateways and along the corridor, whereas local, commuter and rural bus services, green
routes and park and ride facilities can all contribute to sustainable public transport
provision. In addition private bus services can also provide a valuable service.
The Cork-Dublin rail service passing through Limerick Junction provides an efficient hourly
service and performs a vital N-S link. However the Limerick-Waterford rail link is totally
under-developed and is being downgraded. The existing rail link between Limerick and
Waterford, passes through all the major towns, Tipperary/Limerick Junction, Cahir, Clonmel
and Carrick-on-Suir, with a further link to Rosslare. The poor service scheduling acts
against passenger/commuting use as it does not offer a time efficient alternative to car
based road travel and the freight transportation component has been largely abandoned.
It is necessary to carry out a feasibility study to consider the best way to develop the rail
service as a major and vital component in a ‘Regional Integrated Transportation Plan’ to
deliver fast and effective inter-city passenger and freight transport along with intra-urban
commuter service. The single line aspect can be easily supplemented with strategically
located sidings (passing bays) to maintain efficiency and ‘commuter cars’ could be
introduced to facilitate frequent and cost effective intra-urban commuter transport. To
facilitate freight handling the development of links to Limerick and Waterford Ports is
considered as essential.
The Limerick-Waterford inter city bus provides 8 No. return services daily between the
hours of 8.00 and 23.00. However, there is no early service to allow journey to work
(commuter service) along the main inter corridor towns. The poor service scheduling acts
against passenger support and maximising the utility of the service.

The two airports Shannon (International) and Waterford (Cross Channel & Regional) are
located within the corridor. Both connect to a wide variety of destinations in the UK and
mainland Europe, with Shannon Airport also connecting to the USA.
The major ports of Belview and Rosslare,(East) and Limerick/Foynes (West) provide
potential major links for freight movement to Europe and the Americas. The maximisation
of these facilities is hampered by the lack of rail connection to Belview and access to
Foynes. Rosslare, is the country’s principal passenger port for links to Continental Europe
and also for UK passenger traffic on the Southern Irish Sea Corridor.
4.3.3 Communications
economy to one based on the production and the application of knowledge. Both
Gateways, all intervening towns and many rural areas have broadband access, with County
and Group Broadband schemes promoting the roll-out of broadband to smaller towns and
rural communities.

Section 4.4 Achieving a Quality Environment
4.4.1 Introduction
Environmental protection and enhancement must play a key role within the overall
development of the corridor. In particular, it is essential with the ongoing development of
the Gateways, that the natural and built environment and cultural heritage of these areas
be protected and enhanced where possible. The Waterford Limerick corridor is rich in high
quality environmental amenity areas, which must take a central place in the overall
development strategy of the corridor. Development of tourism activities based on the
region’s rural natural resources, e.g. water, mountains/uplands, valleys, forests and heritage
has unbound potential. The Knockmealdown, Comeraghs, Galtees, Slieve na Mban form
some of the more spectacular mountainous vistas of the Southern part of the country and
along with the valley and water courses –Golden Vale, River Shannon and Lough Derg &
the Suir, Barrow and Nore could be linked under inland waterway tourism venture. These
Navigation linkages can connect all the way to Northern-Ireland via the Shannon and Erne
Waterways. The Suir and Shannon are also internationally renowned fishing rivers.
4.4.2 Co-operative Tourism Products

The opportunity exists for inter-regional co-operation on a wide range of development
issues such as forestry, landscape assessment, wind farm development, protection of views
and river catchment basin management. The environment will play a huge role in the
quality of life of the corridor and its economic success from tourism to industrial and
commercial development. Its quality must be protected, enhanced and integrated into all
areas of policy formulation within the corridor and wider sub-regional context. With good
access infrastructure, a wealth of visitor attractions, a high quality environment and a wide
range of affordable activities (golf, equestrian, angling, walking, cycling etc.), the N24
Limerick – Waterford Corridor can be one of Ireland's most attractive tourist regions and
with careful development consideration can become the catalyst for prosperity into the
future.
Co-operative tourism product include:
• innovation in the tourism industry; inland waterways, hill walking tourism, pony
trekking and equestrian tourism, boating, angling, cultural/heritage tourism, castles
& historic buildings are all achievable
• Support local marketing initiatives;
• Training and skills development for all staff in the industry;
• Designation of a national park in the South East with the internationally important
formations of the Comeragh. Knockmealdown and Galtee Mountains as the obvious

Section 4.5 Development Strategy and Implementation Actions
4.5.1 Introduction
The following infrastructural/service facilities are considered as over-arching components to
stimulate inward investment and further strategic development of the Atlantic Corridor. The
implementation of these strategies will require input and primary involvement from many
stakeholders, not least among, University/TI management groups, Bus & Rail service
providers, NRA Regional Authority, Local Authorities in the area, Communications service
providers. The fulfilment of the development strategy can only be achieved and
implemented through the unity of purpose and co-operation and drive of the stakeholders
involved.

Implementation of the Waterford Planning and Land Use Transportation Study
(PLUTS) and the Mid-West Area Strategic Plan (MWASP) – currently being
prepared) focusing major development on:
o As mentioned earlier, the Limerick City Docklands in addition to the Northside

and Southside Regeneration Master Plans.
o Waterford City Centre including the redeveloped North Quays, Belview and a
knowledge and enterprise zone centred on WIT and the IDA Technology
Park.
(2) Upgrading of the N24 National Route as a major inter-urban corridor to

reinforce the transport links between Waterford and Limerick and allowing for
greater access from the corridor to the multi-modal transport interchanges and
national access points located at Shannon Airport, Foynes and Belview.
(3) Accelerated development of key towns along the Waterford-Limerick Corridor
at Carrick-on-suir, Clonmel, Cahir, Tipperary and both Cashel and Thurles
within the hinterland of the corridor as attractive places to live and work.
(4) Development of Limerick Junction as a strategic transport gateway for N-S
and E-W road and rail traffic
(5) Enhancement of the existing Limerick-Waterford rail line services to
provide rail commuter services to and from both Limerick and Waterford and
inter-town connection between the towns of Carrick, Clonmel, Cahir and
Tipperary/Limerick Junction with Park and ride facilities and feeder buse services
from more outlying rural areas.
(6) A plan led approach to protecting, conserving and harnessing the
corridors rural assets in terms of landscape, small town and village structure,
water quality and inland waterways.
(7) Relocation of the Clonmel campus of the Tipperary Institute to
Ballingarrane Estate as part of a wider and strengthened knowledge network
encompassing the various centres of third and fourth level education In Limerick,
Waterford and Tipperary.
4.5.3 Next Steps

review of the Regional Planning Guidelines for the South-East and the Mid-West,

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ATLANTIC GATEWAYS STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

Introduction and Context ?

Section 1: Galway – Limerick/Shannon Corridor ?

1.1 The Existing Corridor ?

1.2 Prospects for Growth ?

1.3 Strategic Development Opportunities ?

1.4 Achieving A Quality Environment ?

1.5 Development Strategy and Implementation Actions ?

Section 2: Limerick/Shannon – Cork Corridor ?

2.1 The Existing Corridor ?

2.2 Prospects for Growth ?

2.3 Strategic Development Opportunities ?

2.4 Achieving A Quality Environment ?

2.5 Development Strategy and Implementation Actions ?

Section 3: Cork - Waterford Corridor ?

3.1 The Existing Corridor ?

3.2 Prospects for Growth ?

3.3 Strategic Development Opportunities ?

3.4 Achieving a Quality Environment ?

3.5 Development Strategy and Implementation Actions ?

Section 4: Waterford – Limerick/Shannon ?

4.1 The Existing Corridor ?

Atlantic Gateways Corridor Framework 3

4.2 Prospects for Growth ?

4.3 Strategic Development Opportunities ?

4.4 Achieving A Quality Environment ?

4.5 Development Strategy and Implementation Actions ?

4 Atlantic Gateways Corridor Framework

This document is the outcome of collaborative deliberations between the planning

6 Atlantic Gateways Corridor Framework

Recommendation 1: National Investment – Growing the Gateways

Recommendation 2: Planning Policies

Atlantic Gateways Corridor Framework 7

Recommendation 4: Rural Areas

Specific Gateway Corridor Recommendations

• Implementation of the Galway Planning Land Use and Transportation

• The development of key settlements of Ennis, Shannon, Gort, Tuam,

• Careful management of development pressures at major transportation

• The preparation of wider rural development strategies for the intervening

• Delivery of Cork Docklands (CASP) – through focused investment into its

• Development of an overall Integrated Approach to the Harbour Area including

Atlantic Gateways Corridor Framework 9

• Further development and facilitation of research and development innovation

• Improved public transport linkages between the Cork – Limerick Gateways,

• Initiation of a town centre enhancement scheme and

• Progress in delivering employment and development sites including ‘Mallow

• Upgrading of the Waterford Institute of Technology campus to University

• Focusing the location of research & development facilities in the

• The further development of Waterford Airport by way of better access,

• Enhanced use of existing rail transshipment facilities at Belview Port is a

• Implementation of the Waterford Planning and Land Use Transportation

o As mentioned earlier, the Limerick City Docklands in addition to the Northside

• Upgrading of the N24 National Route as a major inter-urban corridor to

Atlantic Gateways Corridor Framework 11

• Development of Limerick Junction as a strategic transport gateway for N-S

• Enhancement of the existing Limerick-Waterford rail line services to

• A plan led approach to protecting, conserving and harnessing the

• Relocation of the Clonmel campus of the Tipperary Institute to

12 Atlantic Gateways Corridor Framework

Taking account of the unique opportunities to drive plan led development:

• The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

• Regional Authorities and constituent local authorities, will work together to

• Regional Authorities, the Regional Assemblies and the Chambers of